Malawi floods raise new challenges

Recently, Malawi saw the worst floods to hit the country in 50 years. Following weeks of heavy rains, the floods have affected more than one million people, killing over 250 and displacing over 300,000.

With homes and livelihoods destroyed, there is now the enormous challenge of rebuilding. UNICEF has also warned of fears of outbreaks of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and malaria, while the floods have disrupted the education of hundreds of thousands of children, hindered the ability of people to access basic needs and services and cut off communities from each other. International organisations such as the United Nations are working on the ground providing emergency services and supplies. Yet issues such as the lack of available food, difficulties in accessing certain areas affected by floods and coordination of aid have further worsened the situation. There is further risk, with more rain expected in mid-February, and rivers already running high.

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 74% of the population living on less than $1.25 a day, and many affected by HIV/AIDS, poor road networks, lack of clean water, electricity, health and educational facilities. Children are the most affected by poverty, while the recent floods have made them especially vulnerable.

Our project partners in Malawi, Joshua Orphan and Community Care, are continuing to work alongside government officials, international and non-governmental organisations to support families displaced by the floods, especially in the rural communities in the Blantyre region. Joshua’s immediate priorities are to ensure people have shelter, food and access to clean safe water and sanitation, and have already started feeding programmes. Yet, not stopping its efforts there, Joshua is also developing a long-term programme to support people to rebuild strong and sustainable homes after the rains have passed.

For more about our partner Joshua’s work in responding to the devastating floods: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaOrphanAndCommunityCare

For more about Quest4Change’s partnership with Joshua: http://quest4change.org/malawi-orphans-community-project.html