Soon after Kamuzu shire river bridge is flooded

CHIKWAWA-(MaraviPost)-Twenty-three people have died and 11 are missing due to flood-prone areas in the southern parts of Malawi.

Heavy rains have hit the region and caused havoc to people, houses and gardens in over a week of the rains.

The development has forced President Peter Mutharika to declare a disaster zone in the affected districts, Maravi Post has learnt.

According to the Department of Disaster and Management (Dodma), 29 people have sustained severely injuries of various while 22 000 are now homeless.

The districts of Chikhwawa and Nsanje have since been cut off due to the heavy rains and flooding.

Dodma says the affected districts include Phalombe, Blantyre, Chikhwawa, Nsanje, Neno, Mwanza, Zomba.

Mutharika has since cancelled his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) activities in the north on Saturday to deal with the matter.

Presidential spokesman Mgeme Kalilani said Mutharika will go to the disaster zone in thw South to attend ton the unfortunate situation.

Kalilani said President Mutharika is “very concerned” with the situation and has meanwhile directed Dodma and the Ministry of Homeland Security to “urgently mobilise and coordinate emergency relief services to those affected.”

In a press statement, President Mutharika has also directed that the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) should swiftly move in and assist those trapped and displace by the floods and the rains of terror.

Briefing journalists at Parliament Building in Lilongwe before presenting his report on disasters affecting the country, Minister of Homeland Security Nicholas Dausi said government was already deploying army helicopters and rescue boats to Nsanje.

Mutharika has appealed for humanitarian assistance, from the international donor community, local organisations, faith-based relief agencies and individuals.

Weather experts say the rains, which started on Sunday, will continue in the coming days and flash floods.

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (MET) director, Jolam Nkhokwe, attributed the severe weather conditions to low pressure area in Mozambique moving over to Malawi.

“The air mass has come over and we expect the rains to continue up to Saturday when the air mass will be heading back to Mozambique,”he said.

Nkhokwe said the rains could cause floods, and destroy property and endanger life.</s>Malawi has been hit by floods that have so far claimed 23 lives, injured 29 and left 29 people missing. While assessing the situation with partners, …</s>Floods caused by incessant downpours have left 23 people dead across Malawi, the country's said on Friday.

In addition to the confirmed deaths, 11 people were also been reported missing with around 110,000 affected, a statement said.

Twelve districts, all in the south of the country, had been blighted by the deluges.

defence force and and rescue teams were working in collaboration with the Red Cross, the statement added.

In one affected district, Mulanje, camps had been set up for displaced people, told AFP.

The rains also hit transport links with two major bridges submerged, cutting off access to Blantyre, Malawi's second largest city.

According to the country's Meteorological Department, sporadic downpours are due to continue until the middle of next week.</s>BLANTYRE (Reuters) - Heavy rains and flooding in southern Malawi have killed at least 23 people, and a further 11 are missing, the ministry of homeland security said on Friday.

Search and rescue teams have been deployed, and more than 22,000 households, or 110,000 people, were affected by the floods, Homeland Security Minister Nicholas Dausi said in a statement.

Power-generating capacity and water supplies have been knocked out in some areas.

Around 270 megawatts of Malawi’s 320 megawatts of available hydropower capacity was offline, electricity company EGENCO said in a statement, adding that teams were working to restore power supplies and clear debris at power stations. Malawi generates hydropower along the Shire River which flows out of Lake Malawi.

Malawi relies heavily on financing from foreign donors and is an importer of fuel and other essential commodities.</s>Malawi President Peter Mutharika has cut-short his working visit to the Northern Region following the declaration of the State of Disaster in the South.

Most parts of Southern Region have been hit by heavy rains and floods.

According to a statement issued earlier by Government, the disaster has resulted in the death of 23 people. At least twelve people have also been reported missing and twenty-nine others have seriously been injured.

Meanwhile, thousands of people have been rendered homeless due to collapsed houses.

“Following the declaration of State of Disaster in Southern Region of Malawi due to loss of lives and properties caused by the heavy rains and flooding, the President has cut-short his working visit to the Northern Region” read part of the statement issued by State House.

Our State House sources say Mutharika will leave Mzuzu tomorrow to visit areas heavily affected hit in Southern Malawi.

In addition to directing the Department of Disaster Management Affairs under the Ministry of Homeland Security to “urgently mobilise and coordinate emergency relief services to those affected”, Mutharika has also commanded the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to “assist those trapped and displaced by the floods and the heavy rains”.

Official reports indictate that over one hundred thousand people have directly been affected.

Mutharika was expected to preside over the commissioning of the Nkhatabay Water Supply Project on Saturday afternoon.</s>Malawi may be a small country, but its many climate zones offer travelers plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, and swim—not bad for a nation that one can traverse in a short space of time. Explore the beauty of Lake Malawi, Africa’s third-largest lake, observe wildlife and vegetation in the country’s several national parks, and view neighboring Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia from various vantage points throughout the country.

Whether you make Malawi your main destination or just a stop on a greater journey, there is enough to do to keep you busy for a few weeks. Make sure your camera is ready for action because you will have the chance to fill multiple albums. We love Malawi. It’s in the heart of Africa, and it’s certainly worth a spot on your itinerary.

What to Do in Malawi

1. Lake Malawi: Constituting one-fifth of Malawi by itself, Lake Malawi is hard to miss. It’s an excellent spot for watching eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants diving for fish, and the lake is popular with swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. The best way to explore the lake is by organizing a trip through a reputable tour group; check with your hotel and do your research.

2. Viphya Plateau: If hiking and biking are more your style, then the Viphya Plateau is the place for you. Despite the “plateau” moniker, this area has rolling hills, valleys, and forests and is a great place to cool off for a few days as you explore the numerous walking trails. We recommend checking out Viphya Forest, the largest manmade forest in Africa.

3. Mount Mulanje: Rising more than 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) into the air in southeastern Malawi is Mount Mulanje, a large granite massif, popular with rock climbers and backpackers alike. A system of trails leads up Mount Mulanje, covered in beautiful and fragrant cedars. For overnight travelers, there are sleeping huts along the trails. At the top of the mountain are views of tea fields and, on a clear day, neighboring Mozambique. We recommend traveling with a guide; check weather conditions before you set off, as temperatures can drop unexpectedly.

4. Liwonde National Park: At the southern end of Lake Malawi is one of the country’s best-known parks. Running through Liwonde is the Shire River, a natural attraction for crocodiles and hippopotamuses. The park’s most notable residents are elephants, though, hundreds of them; you won’t miss a sighting. The park covers more than 200 square miles (322 kilometers,) so it is worth spending a few days there and hiring a guide to show you show you as much as possible. Get ready to spot the Big Five, the five animals considered the most difficult to hunt—lions, African elephants, Cape buffalo, leopards, and the black rhinoceros.

5. Likoma Island: This site is one of the continent’s most beautiful islands, home to an abundance of baobab trees. From Likoma Island, one can spot Mozambique, and there are excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving in Lake Nyasa. Although swimming in Lake Nyasa can be one of the most refreshing activities of the day, always ask the locals where the best places are ; you won’t want to intrude on a group of crocodiles.

6. Old Town Lilongwe: The Old Town of the nation’s capital is a great place to explore markets, view mosques, and grab a bite to eat as you make your way to Lake Malawi. Try to get to the neighborhood’s food market early in the morning, so that you can see merchants preparing fresh fish. Numerous restaurants exist throughout the city, so take your pick and load up before heading out.

7. Nyika National Park: Nyika, the largest national park in Malawi, located in the northern region of the country, is home to the biggest concentration of leopards in the country, in addition to the many zebras, antelope, and warthogs that run free throughout the park. Because of its altitude, this park is one of the cooler areas in Malawi, and we recommend planning your visit for between November and May. By contrast with most safaris, you can take a walking safari of the park as there are no lions in the area, but you shouldn’t be overconfident: you must be accompanied by an experienced guide.

8. Cape Maclear: Ironically, a place that was once reputed to be a quiet fishing town on Lake Malawi is now one of the largest backpacker destinations in the country. Cape Maclear is rich in guest houses, restaurants, and activities for visitors to engage in. You can watch the fishermen collect the day’s catch, go snorkeling, or take a kayak out on the water. Try some fresh fish for dinner, and then grab a beer at a local bar before enjoying a good night’s sleep under the stars.

9. Blantyre: As Malawi’s most populated city and the country’s center of commerce, it is worth at least a day’s stop; it has a goodly-size array of decent-priced hotels and dining options. Shopping abounds, and if you are feeling up for it, hire a guide and explore the three peaks around the city, Soche, Ndirande, and Michiru. Be sure to plan a cuppa with some of the locally grown tea before continuing on your journey.

10. Livingstonia: Founded by Scottish missionaries in the 1890s, Livingstonia gives you an idea of what colonial Malawi looked and felt like. With beautiful redbrick architecture and picturesque surroundings, Livingstonia is a place to relax after a period of hiking and exploring. Be sure to check out the town’s main church and also local shops for carved wooden souvenirs. If you are interested in learning more about missionaries in Malawi, especially in Livingstonia, be sure to visit the Stone House museum.

11. Shire River: The largest river in Malawi. The river has been known as the Shiré or Chire River. It is the only outlet of Lake Malawi and flows into the Zambezi River in Mozambique. Its length is 402 kilometres (250 mi). The upper Shire River issues from Lake Malawi and runs approximately 12 miles before it enters shallow Lake Malombe. It then drains Lake Malombe and flows south through Liwonde National Park where large concentrations of hippopotamus are common along its shores.

12. Mvuu Camp: Overlooking a broad stretch of the Shire River (pronounced Shiree). The camp is a clever mix of stone and canvas chalets and specially-designed family tents.

 It has a profusion of hippos, crocodiles and the amazing birdlife of the Liwonde National Park, Mvuu Camp operates a river trip that takes guests 30 km along the Shire River, offering an excellent chance to see both game and birds amongst the ever-changing vegetation. Mvuu Camp is ideal for families or guests on a budget and offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

13. Mumbo Island: A pristine and deserted tropical island floating on the expansive waters of the Lake Malawi National Park. With a maze of massive underwater boulders, innumerable species of colourful cichlid fish and calm, clear water, the National Park offers what many consider the best freshwater snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the world. Mumbo Island is only 1km in diameter and has never been populated so it remains in a pristine, natural state.

14. Domwe Island: This is the largest unpopulated island in Lake Malawi, with a circumference of 11km and a highest point 400m above lake level. It is separated from the mainland by the narrow Ilala Gap which, due to fluctuations in lake level over the millennia, has been dry on several occasions. As a result Domwe Island, unlike all other Lake Malawi islands, is well populated with mammals which have crossed onto the island during these dry times.

When to Go

With elevations of as much as 10,000 feet in the mountainous regions and valleys as low as 600 feet, Malawi has a diverse climate. Without a doubt, the best time to visit the country is during the dry season, May through October, when it’s hot during the day and cooler at night. While this weather is conducive to exploring the outdoors, a visit during the rainy season (November through March and April) will mean fewer tourists and an opportunity to see the country’s fauna at its finest. Just make sure you come prepared with rain gear: low-lying areas, such as the Shire Valley, tend to become their hottest and most humid during the rainy season. Also, the mountainous areas in the south are some of the wettest in all Africa, with an average annual rainfall of between 60 and 80 inches.

If you are looking for arts-based events, check out the amazing Lake of Stars Malawi music festival, which takes place this year October 15–17 on Lake Malawi. Held in one of the most intimate settings in the world, this festival offers music and art by some of the best performers from Malawi and the rest of the African continent.

Getting In and Around

Visas: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned exit date. If you are visiting Malawi for 90 days or fewer, you will not require a visa. However, as of 2007, a three-month, single-entry visa costs $70; a six-month, multiple-entry visa costs $150; and a one-year, multiple-entry visa costs $250. For more information, check out the State Department’s page on Malawi.

If you are traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever–infected area, you will be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Please check with a medical professional or travel clinic to learn whether you will need such documentation.

Transportation: Flying into Malawi frequently involves a transfer through another country, often South Africa. The two standard airports for international flights are Chileka International Airport, outside of Blantyre, and Lilongwe International Airport, in the country’s capital.

The most common means of transportation within the country are buses, minibuses, and coasters, which are medium-size buses. You can expect every sort and size of local bus to be crowded, and the ride can be unpredictable, depending on weather and road conditions. Shire Bus Lines buses make for a more comfortable ride and travel speedily between Blantyre and Lilongwe. We recommend that you ask your hotel for information on other reputable intercity bus services.

Mobile Phones: Cell phone use in Malawi is very widespread; we recommend that you buy a cheap phone for your time in the country. If you have an unlocked, SIM card–enabled phone, plan on buying SIM cards within Malawi. Top-up credits are available in every city. We remind you: sending text messages is always cheaper than making calls, especially because receiving messages is free.

Concerned about your safety as you plan travel to Malawi? We at Africa.com, together with our friends, family and colleagues, travel extensively throughout the continent. Here are the resources we consult when thinking of our safety in Malawi:

Africa.com comment: Very timely and frequently updated. Perspective assumes that you ARE going to travel to Malawi, and seeks to give you good guidance so that you understand the risks and are well informed.

Africa.com comment: An annual ranking of the 54 African countries based on their relative personal security as determined by a highly qualified staff of an African foundation, funded by a successful African philanthropist. See where Malawi ranks relative to the other 54 nations in Africa.

Africa.com comment: Can sometimes be considered as overly conservative and discourage travel altogether to destinations that many reasonable people find acceptably secure. On the other hand, they have the resources of the CIA to inform them, so they know things that the rest of us don’t know. See what they have to say about Malawi.

1. Malawi is a landlocked country smaller than Pennsylvania, with a population of more than 15 million. The capital of the country, Lilongwe, is located in the central region of the nation, and the most populous city, Blantyre, is in the southern region.

2. The Malawi currency is the Malawi kwacha (Zambia also calls its currency the kwacha). Every kwacha equals 100 tambala; the coins include one-, five-, and 20-tambala pieces. The symbol for the kwacha is KW.

3. Some of the most popular newspapers are The Nation, the Daily Times, and the monthly Chichewa-language paper, Boma Lathu.

4. The main languages of Malawi are English and Chichewa. Many Bantu languages, such as Chilomwe, Chiyao, and Chitumbuka, are spoken.

5. Smoking is currently allowed in public areas. Tobacco is Malawi’s most important cash crop.</s>Heavy rains in southern and central parts of Malawi have caused flooding and rivers to overflow, in particular the Shire River in Chikwawa, where local media say 6 people have died.The government of Malawi said in a statement of 07 March, that "Thousands of people have been displaced an. Malawi Red Cross volunteers and staff have embarked on search and rescue."Floods have rendered the Kamuzu and Mwanza bridges on the Shire River in Chikwawa impassable.Quoting local police, Malawi 24 reported that several people had died in areas around Chikwawa after being swept away by flood waters from swollen rivers. Police are urging the public not to cross swollen rivers but rather wait for such rivers to recede before resuming their crossings. One person died when heavy rain caused a house to collapse in Thyolo.Malawi's Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services issued a severe weather warning on 05 March. Chileka, situated about 40 km north east of Chikwawa,to 07 March.On 07 March the government warned "as the rains keep on falling nonstop, the Shire River also keeps swelling. All people are advised to take care and move to safer places. Government agencies are keenly monitoring the situation across the country and providing help where required."Severe flooding affected Central and Southern Regions of the country in February this year.</s>Malawi President Peter Mutharika has cut-short his working visit to the Northern Region following the declaration of the State of Disaster in the South.</s>The South African government has responded to the tragic floods that have hit many districts in Malawi by sending professional Rescue Teams and heavy Equipment.

Malawi President Peter Mutharika has expressed profound thanks to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for its prompt response to Disaster that has affected many parts of the Country.

The Floods have devastated many parts of the country to the Extent President Peter Mutharika has declared a state of disaster in all the areas that have been affected by floods, which have killed 28 people.

The President promised that the government “will do all it can to assist those affected by the heavy rains and floods,” the statement said.

The M1 connecting Chikwawa to Blantyre has been cut off, with road users failing to go to the other side.

This has happened some 500 metres from Kamuzu Bridge on the way to Thabwa.

This after a sustained downpour that has affected most parts of the Southern Region of the country, leading to 8 confirmed deaths and 29 injured and 11 missing.

Meanwhile the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) is coordinating relief efforts in the affected districts which many on the ground have praised so far.

The Government has also deployed cabinet members to deploy relief led by Everton Chimulirenji who visited floods victims at Buleya Village in Thondwe Constituency, Zomba District.

Minister of Homeland Security, Nicholas Dausi, Saturday, 9th March, 2019, visited people affected with floods and heavy rain in Chikwawa

During the visit, Dausi and his Deputy Charles Mchacha presented relief items to the families affected by floods and heavy rain.</s>Floods in southern Malawi have killed 30 people and left over 230,000 people without shelter, a minister said Sunday.

Homeland Security Minister Nicholas Dausi, whose ministry is also responsible for disaster management affairs, on Sunday visited people affected by the deluges in two of the 14 southern districts affected.

He said his ministry had received reports of 30 deaths and about 238,000 villagers losing their homes since the start of the incessant downpours earlier this week.

"Their immediate needs are food, tents, blankets and chlorine to treat drinking water and anti-malaria medication," he said.

Malawi's President Arthur Peter Mutharika declared a state of disaster in the region late on Friday, after the storm caused rivers to break their banks, leaving villages underwater, and in some areas knocked out power and water supplies.

The same storm has also caused flooding in regions of Mozambique.

Mutharika directed emergency relief services to be coordinated immediately and also ordered Malawi's army to assist those trapped and displaced.

After several houses in his village collapsed, Tobias Timothy, who was camping in a school in Neno, a district around 45 kilometers (28 miles) north of Malawi's second-largest city Blantyre, said he and others in the school were waiting for help.

"We need shelters," he told Reuters. "School is in session so we don't know what happens when learners return on Monday."
The floods from the predecessor of Cyclone Idai cause 23 deaths and 11 missing in southern Malawi.