DCCMS Advises Public to Inspect Buildings as Heavy Rains Expected

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, December 29, MANA – The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has announced that from December 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, the country should expect a wet week with particularly heavy rainfall due to the ongoing oscillation of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over Malawi.

In its latest weekly weather update issued on Monday and signed by the Director, Dr Lucy Mtilatila, DCCMS stated that the ITCZ is enhancing cloud formation and precipitation. As a result, total rainfall amounts could exceed 120 millimetres in districts such as Nkhata Bay and Nkhotakota, which is significantly higher than the normal for this period.

“These intense and prolonged downpours elevate the risk of flash floods, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas, posing threats to infrastructure, agriculture and human safety,” she said.

Mtilatila added that with particularly heavy rainfall forecast along the lakeshore as well as in central and northern areas, Mwera winds will also blow over Lake Malawi at times.

She therefore advised the general public to avoid crossing flooded or fast-flowing waters as the risk of flash flooding is high, inspect buildings as walls and soils may be weakened by torrential rains, and seek shelter in safer places when thunderstorms occur.

During the past week, the country experienced overcast conditions marked by widespread thunderstorms and persistent rainfall, which became locally heavy in several areas.

The most significant rainfall was recorded on December 28 at Mchilawengo in Mzimba District, where 141.0 millimetres of rain was reported.

The highest cumulative totals were observed in southern areas, particularly Chikwawa and Nsanje, where rainfall between December 26 and 28 surpassed the average expected for the entire month.

In Supuni, Chikwawa, a staggering 177.0 millimetres fell over the three-day period, exceeding monthly norms. Similarly, Kasinthula recorded 150.8 millimetres, while Lurwe in Nsanje received 150.2 millimetres.

Spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Chipiliro Khamula, said the department has already issued alerts to district councils, which have in turn alerted Area Disaster Risk Management Committees to warn communities about impending disasters.

He added that DoDMA has made standby arrangements for the deployment of rescue teams at national level.

“When disasters occur, we have boats in areas like Nsanje to help with rescues, and we have pre-positioned relief items such as maize, blankets, maize flour and kitchen utensils to assist affected people,” said Khamula.