Latest updates on country situation
25 June 2023
As at 22 June, 38 IDP camps were still active, sheltering over 78,000 people from the impact of Cyclone Freddy. The cyclone significantly affected food security, with over two million farmers losing their livestock and crops and more than 179,000 hectares of agricultural land being destroyed, adding 1.6 million people to the 3.8 million Malawians who were already experiencing acute food insecurity before Cyclone Freddy’s landfall. (WHO 25/06/2023, USAID 23/06/2023, IPS 30/03/2023)
05 June 2023
Between 17–26 May 2023, Malawian authorities detained 902 refugees and asylum seekers after the deadline for relocation to the Dzaleka refugee camp elapsed on 15 April. The strict policy of encampment is attributed to the allegations that refugees and asylum seekers pose economic challenges and security risks. As at May 2023, the Dzaleka refugee camp designed to accommodate 12,000 refugees hosted an estimated 50,600 refugees, including 32,000 from Congo, 11,000 from Burundi, and 6,000 from Rwanda. The overcrowded camp cannot adequately meet the needs of the refugees in terms of food, healthcare, water, shelter, and sanitation. (HRW 05/06/2023, UNHCR 24/05/2023)
23 May 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.
(UNICEF 19/05/2023, FAO 17/05/2023, UNICEF Accessed 23/05/2023)
11 April 2023
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Freddy in southern Malawi has been devastating, with flooding and landslides affecting an estimated 2.3 million people and leaving more than 670 dead, 500 missing, and over 659,000 displaced.
The displaced are sheltering in schools, churches, and community centres. Biantyre, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Nsanje, and Phalombe have been the hardest-hit districts. Those affected urgently need WASH services, shelter, food, and NFIs.
(OCHA 07/04/2023, WFP 06/04/2023)
current crises
in
Malawi
These crises have been identified through the INFORM Severity Index, a tool for measuring and comparing the severity of humanitarian crises globally.
MWI005 - Tropical Cyclone Freddy
Last updated 31/08/2023
Drivers
Cyclone
Crisis level
Country
Severity level
2.9 Medium
Access constraints
2.0
MWI002 - Complex
Last updated 31/08/2023
Drivers
Drought
Socio-political
Cyclone
Crisis level
Country
Severity level
3.3 High
Access constraints
2.0
REG012 - Southern Africa Regional Food Security Crisis
Last updated 31/08/2023
Drivers
Crisis level
Regional
Severity level
3.7 High
Access constraints
2.0
Analysis products
on
Malawi
12 December 2022
Malawi: cholera outbreak
DOCUMENT / PDF / 403 KB
Since March 2022, Malawi has been experiencing the largest cholera outbreak reported in the last decade. Malawi needs medical supplies, vaccines, health worker training, and awareness campaigns on cholera to tackle the outbreak. People lack clean water and access to hygiene and sanitation.
19 March 2019
Malawi: Floods, Update I
DOCUMENT / PDF / 386 KB
Since our last publication, severe flooding has continued in southern and central regions of Malawi. In total, an estimated 922,900 people have been affected across 14 districts, with 56 deaths and 577 injuries reported and more than 125,000 displaced.
12 March 2019
Malawi: Floods
DOCUMENT / PDF / 570 KB
Heavy rains over 5-8 March caused flooding in the Southern region of Malawi. As of 10 March, at least 14 districts have been impacted, affecting approximately 468,650 people and displacing more than 31,700 people. Assessments are ongoing.