Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) has said the country needs $1.4 billion (about K2.4 trillion) to recover from the impact of disasters of the past four years.
Speaking when he opened a two-day media training on disaster risk management communication in Mponela, Dowa on Tuesday, Dodma director of disaster preparedness and response the Reverend Moses Chimphepo said disasters have in the past four years damaged infrastructure worth $921 million (about K1.6 billion), which will require about $1.4 billion (about K2.4 trillion) for recovery.
The affected infrastructure includes roads, schools, health facilities, houses, irrigation systems, and railways, among others.
He said although government, with support from development partners, has been making efforts to rebuild, it will take time to fully recover.
Said Chimphepo: “The recovery has been slow because every time recovery efforts are in place, more disasters have occurred. The re-occurrence of disasters has really affected recovery efforts. That is the situation we are in because disasters have really affected our country.”
He said the country needs to triple efforts in managing disasters to reduce disaster risks and losses.
“From the statistics, we can all agree that occurrence of disasters is a matter of concern for the nation and we need to triple our efforts and approach in reducing disaster risks and losses.
“Most importantly, we need to join efforts in building resilience of the most vulnerable communities and the nation,” said Chimphepo.
On his part, Dodma spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula said the disasters have the potential to derail development of the country.
He said there is need to put measures to promote resilience.
In 2022, Malawi was hit by Cyclone Ana which affected one million people, displaced 190 000, left 46 dead, 18 missing and 206 injured. The country was later hit by cyclone Gombe and the cyclone affected nearly 160 000 people, with 50 000 displaced, 39 dead and 20 injured.
Then in 2023, Cyclone Freddy affected over 2.2 million people, of whom 650 000 were displaced. The cyclone left 679 dead and 537 missing.
Other cyclones that have affected the country are Chido and Jude in 2024 and 2025 respectively..
