Story by Catherine Tembo/Malawi
Continuous heavy rains have damaged road infrastructure in several parts of the country, with even newly contracted roads being washed away.
On the M1 road from Kasungu towards Chatoloma via Nkhamenya, a bridge has been washed away, rendering the road impassable. Another bridge along the same route at Mphomwa in Nkhamenya has also collapsed due to the persistent rains.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorological Services has issued a warning that flash floods are expected to occur in most parts of the country from 29 December 2025 to 1 January 2026.
According to the department, the most affected districts are Nsanje, Nkhotakota, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Chikwawa, Kasungu and Karonga.
The department’s director Lucy Mtilatila said the seasonal outlook shows normal to above-normal rainfall in many areas between October and December 2025, extending into early 2026.
Spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Risk Management Affairs (DoDMA), Chipiliro Khamula, has assured the public that preparations are underway to support households affected by the floods as authorities wait for councils to assess the extent of the damage.
“We are going to support affected households with food and other basic necessities to help them cope during this period,” said Khamula.
Police have also advised motorists to avoid crossing flooded bridges and roads to prevent accidents.
Inspector Esther Mkwanda Public Relations Officer Central East Region police said the roads are impassable drivers needs to drive carefully.
“We advise drivers to drive carefully as the M1 road going up north has temporally closed” she said.
Malawi has been experiencing flash floods for sometime now, damaging infrastructures such as schools, roads and health facilities.
