• Crisis Severity ?
    2.9
    0 Very low
    Very high 5
  • Impact ?
    3.2
    0 Very low
    Very high 5
  • Humanitarian Conditions ?
    3.3
    0 Very low
    Very high 5
  • Complexity ?
    2.2
    0 Very low
    Very high 5
  • Access Constraints ?
    2.0
    No constraints
    Extreme constraints
See all indicators

Overview

14/04/2023

Cyclone Freddy, one of the most powerful and longest-lasting storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, made landfall in southern Malawi on 12 March 2023, causing heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides. It affected 14 of 28 districts, displacing more than 500,000 people and killing over 500 as at 21 March. On 14 March, the Government of Malawi declared a state of emergency in the ten hardest-hit districts. The cyclone caused severe damage on infrastructure, including power lines and telecommunication structures; flooded houses and roads; and destroyed bridges, schools, and health facilities. The cyclone also led to crop and livestock losses, affecting livelihoods.

As at 18 March, those displaced were being hosted in 505 displacement sites spread across different districts. Among the priority needs is protection services given the heightened risk of trauma, child separation from families, and gender-based violence.

Malawi has also been grappling with a cholera outbreak since March 2022. The floods and heavy rains from the cyclone increased the spread of the outbreak. As at 29 March 2023, there were an estimated 56,090 suspected cases and 1,712 reported fatalities. ?

Latest Developments

24/05/2023

As at May 2023, the food insecurity situation in Malawi had put over 573,000 children under five and 228,000 pregnant and lactating women at risk of malnutrition. Over 62,000 children are at risk of severe malnutrition throughout this year as a result of the environmental crisis, disease outbreaks, and global economic disruptions.

In February–March 2023, Cyclone Freddy made landfall twice and caused significant damage, including the loss of critical infrastructure and livelihoods, with 300,000 livestock and 200,000 hectares of crops being lost. The agricultural sector has been particularly hard-hit, with over 1.4 million individuals affected, of whom 280,000 are in urgent need of emergency assistance. Those who are at risk of malnutrition and have been affected by Cyclone Freddy need food, nutrition, health services, WASH, shelter, and NFIs. ?