Tag Archives: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDma)

Business

NBM plc gives 1,000 bags of maize relief in Zomba

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPpst)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has handed over 1,000 bags of maize to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in support of the National Food Relief Initiative for people affected by hunger in Zomba.

The handover ceremony took place at St. Anthony in Traditional Authority Mlumbe as part of NBM plc’s K300 million commitment made in January in response to President Peter Mutharika’s declaration of the State of Disaster caused by prolonged dry spell in 11 districts.

Speaking after the donation on Thursday, NBM plc’s Chief Operations Officer, Masauko Katsala, said the institution felt duty-bound to respond to the national appeal as a responsible corporate citizen.

“As the ‘Bank of the Nation’, we felt compelled to respond when the appeal was made. Our customers are Malawians, and we operate within Malawi. Supporting this initiative is part of our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve and contributing to national development,” said Katsala.

He added that the K300 million contribution forms part of the Bank’s broader culture of corporate responsibility.

“We have pledged a donation of K300 million, which has been incorporated into the budget presented today. At NBM plc, responding to such appeals is not a one-off activity; it is part of our culture and long-standing commitment to supporting the communities where we operate. Giving back is embedded in who we are as a Bank,” said Katsala.

Principal Secretary for Administration in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), Rashid Ntelera, commended the NBM plc for the timely intervention, noting that the donation will significantly support affected households.

“So far, the progress has been very good. We requested a full support package amounting to K7.1 billion. What we have received so far, including the assistance delivered today and the support we received earlier in Blantyre in February, brings us close to that figure, and it may even end up being less than initially projected. This means that the response has exceeded what we originally asked for,” said Ntelera.

Zomba District Commissioner Musandide Misinjo said the prolonged dry spells have affected the farmers who are now seeking help to re-establish themselves.

“Due to these conditions, many farmers have uprooted their failed crops and are now replanting drought-resilient varieties. Government, together with its partners, has intervened by distributing sweet potato vines and cassava cuttings to help households cope and rebuild food security,” said Misinjo.

He revealed that about 8,145 families across the district have been affected by hunger, including approximately 3,000 from the area of Senior Chief Mlumbe alone.

One of the beneficiaries, Joyce Mwanza, expressed gratitude for the support, saying the maize will bring immediate relief to struggling households.

“The maize we have received will help us feed our children and bring relief to our households. We are truly grateful for the support National Bank has given us today,” said Mwanza.

Business

FCB distributes maize to support hunger relief in Chiradzulu 

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-First Capital Bank (FCB) plc has donated maize worth MK210 million to Chiradzulu District through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) to assist households affected by hunger due to poor crop production and climatic shocks.

The donation comprises 190 metric tonnes of maize, equivalent to 3,888 bags, which will be distributed to vulnerable households under DoDMA’s national food insecurity response programme across the country.

Speaking during the event marking the official start of the distribution exercise on Saturday at the Chiradzulu Business Development Centre under Traditional Authority Nkalo, FCB’s Head of Legal and Company Secretary, Remmie Ng’omba, said the bank prioritizes people.

“Today we have made this donation because we believe that the bank exists for the people. We have strong ties with the community. When government raised an alarm on hunger, we felt it was wise to be the first bank to contribute towards helping those who are suffering,” said Ng’omba.

He added that the bank channelled the support through DoDMA to ensure that assistance reaches the most deserving Malawians.

Receiving the donation, DoDMA Deputy Director for Disaster Response, Fyawupi Mwafongo, expressed gratitude, noting that the support will strengthen the ongoing food insecurity response.

“As DoDMA, we are very happy to receive this donation. Due to climatic shocks and other factors, the country experienced poor crop production during the 2024–2025 season,” said Mwafongo.

He highlighted that the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report indicates that about four million Malawians are at risk of food insecurity, prompting government to develop a national response plan estimated at K209 billion.

Regarding distribution, Mwafongo explained that FCB procured 3,888 bags of maize, which began being distributed last week.

He added that Chiradzulu requires food assistance for the next four months — December, January, February, and March — and government will continue distributing food with support from partners.

Chiradzulu District Council Chairperson, Alick Naphiyo, urged beneficiaries to use the maize responsibly and not sell it.

“We encourage households to prioritize this relief for consumption. It is meant to sustain families through the hunger period,” he said.

One beneficiary , Titani Nyalungwe, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying it will help families survive the hunger period.

“This maize has arrived at the right time. Many of us had nothing at home, and we are truly grateful,” she said.

Development

DODMA pushes for integration of disaster risk management across sectors

Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA ) has taken steps to promote the integration of disaster risk management into various sectors to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness and response.

Speaking during a dialogue session on disaster risk reduction,organized by University of East Anglia postgraduate researcher John Aubrey Chirwa with support from the Arts and Humanities Research Council,DODMA Deputy Director for Disaster Response, Fyawupi Mwafongo, said the department has developed new guidelines to support the mainstreaming of disaster risk management across different sectors.

“We want to use these guidelines to reach all sectors and help them incorporate disaster issues into their regular programming, planning, and even budgeting processes.

“Disasters are multi-sectoral in nature—they affect health, infrastructure, education, and more. Cyclone Freddy is a clear example of how disasters cut across multiple areas,” said Mwafongo.

He noted that mainstreaming disaster risk management will speed up efforts related to reconstruction, recovery, rehabilitation, and other post-disaster interventions.

On his part,Chirwa, who is conducting an academic research project on participatory communication in disaster risk reduction in the country, observed that gaps in disaster management often arise due to the lack of integration of disaster-related issues into sectoral planning.

“When developing disaster response strategies, they must be multi-sectoral because disasters impact multiple areas.If we aim to build back better after a disaster, we need to create an enabling environment for that to happen,”said Chirwa.

The researcher also emphasized the need for sectors to allocate specific budget lines for disaster-related activities, stressing that adequate resources are essential for effective disaster management.

Development, Environment

Journalists urged to focus on disaster preparedness

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has encouraged journalists in the Shire Valley to thoroughly cover all aspects of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) cycle in their reporting.

According to Hastings Mwanjoka, Deputy Director for Disaster Resilience at DoDMA, the focus should shift from just reporting on disasters when they happen to also highlighting preparedness measures.

“We need to prepare the communities to reduce the impact of disasters,” Mwanjoka said.

He emphasized the importance of disseminating information on the DRM Act of 2023 and the country’s multi-hazard risk assessment to communities.

The call was made during a three-day Capacity Building Training for journalists organized by DoDMA with funding from Concern Worldwide in Chikwawa.

Journalists attending the training welcomed the initiative, with Precious Kadwala of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) describing it as critical.

“This training will help us discharge our duties well, we will do better by focusing on the remaining stages of DRM cycle,” Kadwala said.

By focusing on disaster preparedness and risk reduction, journalists can play a crucial role in helping communities mitigate the impact of disasters.

The training highlights DoDMA’s efforts to enhance the capacity of journalists in reporting on disaster-related issues.

Development

Disaster emergency operation centre opened in Zomba

Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Malawi on Friday June 7, 2024, launched MK500 million worth prefabricated Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) assembled in Zomba, Karonga, Salima, Dedza and Phalombe District Councils to improve disaster risk management coordination.

Speaking during the launch in Zomba District, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Charles Kalemba called upon the councils to make full use of the centre in building resilience of communities.

“We are committed to improving disaster management coordination and building resilience of the nation. We need to go beyond congregating at the EOC during emergencies and use the facilities in developing and coordinating the implementation of disaster risk management [DRM] programmes at all stages of the DRM cycle to build resilience to climate shocks,” said Kalemba.

In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative Fenella Frost reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening disaster management systems in the country and commended the councils for playing a pivotal role in establishing the EOCs, which have been installed under the Scaling Up the Use of Modernized Climate Information and Early Warning Systems (M-CLIMES) Project.

District Commissioner for Zomba Reinghard Chavula said she is grateful for the EOC as it will ease coordination in disaster management.

The M-CLIMES is a Green Climate Fund, UNDP and Malawi Government-funded Project aimed at supporting Malawi in taking steps to save lives and enhance livelihoods at risk of climate-related disasters.

The project supported the installation of Community-Based Flood Early Warning Systems (CB-FEWS) in eight districts of the country.

Business, Development

#Malawi’s Cyclone Freddy response: TNM hands over relief items to Chikwawa survivors

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s pioneer mobile network and ICT services provider, TNM Plc in partnership with Malawi Red Cross, on Tuesday presented relief items to the people affected with the Tropical Cyclone Freddy at Savala Camp in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mankhwira, Chikwawa district.

The distribution exercise comes barely a week after TNM announced a donation of relief items worth MK20 million to Malawi Red Cross Society towards the victims of the cyclone in the Southern region.

Speaking during the distribution exercise TNMs Head of Brand and Marketing, Madalitso Jonazi said the exercise reaffirms TNMs commitment to stand with the government and all key stakeholders in helping the affected people.

“Following the devastating Cyclone Freddy, victims are in desperate need for shelter, energy food, medicines, and basic sanitation. Clearly, the challenge before us is enormous, and we at TNM pledge our continued support to help those affected and in pain,” said Jonazi.

“Today we are distributing these items to Malawians because they are an integral part of the growth of our business and the nation at large. We will continue to work with various agencies to help the victims recover quickly,” he said.

The Head of Brand and Marketing said TNM is working with Red Cross because of the charitys vast experience in managing resources meant for disasters including the mutual working relationships that TNM has from previous relief activities.

“We have a working relationship with Malawi Red Cross Society which dates. The institution has vast experience in handling humanitarian efforts,” added Jonazi.

Highlighting the magnitude of the damaged cause by Cyclone Freddy, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Owen Chomanika said that East Bank has been severely affected.

“Overall, the impact has been severe but Lower Shire has a lot of damage affecting roads and households.

However, Chikwawa East has been most hit with more than 40,000 households that have been displaced, said Chomanika.

Chomanika thanked TNM Plc for becoming first corporate brand to visit Savala Camp saying such a holistic approach is complimenting governments efforts.

“On behalf of Government, I would like to thank TNM for their perseverance to reach this camp, such relentless passion is what we need. We are happy with such gesture because it resonates with the Tigwirane Manja’ initiative the President is preaching, he said.

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) in the Ministry of Homeland Security statistics show that the cyclone has killed over 500 people and thousands have been displaced.

“As of Tuesday, 21st March 2023, the number of displaced people was at 553,614, with 534 camps set to accommodate them. The death toll has risen from 499 to 507, with 1,332 injuries. The number of reported missing persons is at 537 from 427,” according to DoDMA updates.

Malawi, Obituaries

#Malawi’s Cyclone Freddy impact: Death toll at 511, displacing 562,415

Lloyd M’bwana

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-About 511 people have been killed while displacing 562,415 with 1,332 injuries due to impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy that hit hard Malawi’s Southern region districts on March 11, 2023.

This is according to Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)’s new preliminary reports received from councils on damages caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy (TCF).

These preliminary reports are from from all the 15 affected councils including Balaka, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Zomba City and Zomba District.

“As of March 22, 2023, the number of displaced people is at 562,415 with 576 camps set to accommodate the displaced. The death toll is at 511 with 1,332 injuries. The number of reported missing persons is at 533 from 537,
with four bodies of missing persons recovered.

“The Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the United Kingdom search and rescue/recovery teams continue their operations. The MDF is also airlifting relief items, medical supplies, and personnel to places not accessible by road,” reads in part DoDMA statement.

It adds, “The helicopters dispatched by the governments of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Zambia continue airlifting relief assistance to areas that are inaccessible by road and water. The helicopters are also airlifting people in need of medical attention from affected districts to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).

“The national inter-agency assessment team, which has been supporting affected councils with assessments to establish the total number of affected people and their immediate needs, will finalise their mission on Friday, 24th
March, 2023 all things constant”.

DoDMA discloses that the data will inform the finalisation of the response plan, which the department and partners have been developing.

Following the declaration of a state of disaster by President, Lazarus Chakwera, foreign missions, governments, local and international organizations, companies, and individuals of goodwill continue providing various support towards TCF response operations.

The department says will be updating the general public on provision of assistance and any related development.

Malawi, Obituaries

#Malawi’s Cyclone Freddy impact: Death toll at 507, displacing 553,614 people

Lloyd M’bwana

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-About 507 have been killing while displacing 553,614 people with 1, 332 injuries due to effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy that hit hard Malawi’s southern and eastern regions’ districts since March 10, 2023.

This is according to Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)’s preliminary reports received from 15 affected councils including Balaka, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Zomba City and Zomba District.

“As of today, March 21, 2023, the number of displaced people is at 553,614 with 543 camps set to accommodate the displaced. The death toll has risen from 499 to 507 with 1,332 injuries. The number of reported missing persons is at 537 from 427.

“The Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the United Kingdom search and rescue/recovery teams continue their operations,” reads DoDMA statement.

It adds, “In Chilobwe, Blantyre District, the MDF and the MPS have recovered 50 bodies since they started search and recovery operations on 14th March. The MDF is also airlifting relief items, medical supplies, and personnel to places not accessible by road. The helicopters dispatched by the governments of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Zambia continue airlifting relief assistance to areas that are inaccessible by road and water.

“The helicopters are also airlifting people in need of medical attention from affected districts to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). The national inter-agency assessment team, which has been supporting affected councils with assessments to establish the total number of affected people and their immediate needs, will finalise their mission on Friday, 24th March, 2023”.

DoDMA discloses that the data will inform the finalisation of the response plan, which the department and partners have been developing.

The department says will be updating the general public on provision of assistance, usage and any related development.

Following the declaration of a state of disaster by President Lazarus Chakwera, foreign missions, governments, local and international organizations, companies, and individuals of goodwill continue providing various support towards TCF response operations.

Malawi

#Malawi’s Cyclone Freddy impact: Death toll at 499, displacing 508,244 people

Lloyd M’bwana

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-About 499 people have died with 1,332 injuries while displacing 508,244 due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy impact in Malawi’s southern region districts.

About 427 people are missing since the Cyclone hit the region on March 10, 2023.

This is according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)’s new preliminary reports received form councils on damages caused byTropical Cyclone Freddy (TCF) as of Monday, March 20, 2023.

Cyclone Freddy impact

“DoDMA has received rapid assessment reports from 15 affected councils,namely; Balaka, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu,Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Zomba City and Zomba District.

“As of Monday, 20th March 2023, the number of displaced people is at 508,244,with 534 camps set to accommodate the displaced.

“The death toll has risenfrom 476 to 499, with 1,332 injuries. The number of reported missing persons is at 427 from 349,” reads part of DoDMA statement.

This comes as Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS), and the United Kingdom search and rescue teams continue their operations.

The MDF is also airlifting relief items, medical supplies, and personnel to places notaccessible by road.

In addition, the helicopters dispatched by thegovernments of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Zambiacontinue airlifting relief assistance to areas that are inaccessible by road andwater.

Adds DoDMA, “The helicopters have also started airlifting people in need of medicalattention from affected districts to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).

“The national interagency assessment team is supporting affected councils withassessments to establish the total number of affected people and theirimmediate needs”.

Following the declaration of a state of disaster by President Lazarus Chakwera, foreign missions, governments, local andinternational organizations, companies, and individuals of goodwill continue providing various support towards TCF response operations.

The department says will regularly update the general public on provision ofassistance, usage and any related development.

Environment, Malawi

#Malawi’s Cyclone Freddy impact: Death toll at 476, displacing 490,098 people

Lloyd M’bwana

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Tropical Cyclone Freddy has killed about 476, injuring 918 while displacing 490,098 in the southern region districts as of March 19, 2023.

This is according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)’s fresh preliminary reports from councils, on damages caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy (TCF).

DoDMA has received rapid assessment reports from 14 affected councils namely; Balaka, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Neno, Nsanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Zomba City
and Zomba District.

“As of Sunday, 19th March 2023, the number of the displaced people is now at 490,098 with 533 camps set to accommodate the displaced. The death toll has risen from 447 to 476; with 918 injuries. The number of reported missing persons is at 349 from 282.

“The Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the United Kingdom search and rescue teams continue their operations,” reads part of the DoDMA statement.

Its adds, “The MDF is also airlifting relief items, medical supplies and personnel to places not accessible by road. The two helicopters dispatched by the United Republic of Tanzania, have started airlifting relief assistance to areas that are inaccessible by road and water.

“On Sunday, 19th March, the helicopters, airlifted relief items to camps in Chikwawa District. The national interagency assessment team is on the ground supporting affected councils with assessments to establish the total number of affected people and their immediate needs”.

“Following the declaration of state of disaster by His Excellency the President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera; foreign missions, governments, local and international organizations, companies and individuals of goodwill continue providing various support towards TCF response operations,” DoDMA reads further.

The department will be regularly updating the general public on provision of The department will be regularly updating the general public on provision of assistance, usage and any related development.