Floodwaters surged through southern Malawi last week, leaving at least 34 people dead and nearly 200 injured as relentless rains overwhelmed vulnerable communities nationwide.
Authorities said the disaster displaced thousands, turning villages into temporary islands of survival as families fled rising waters carrying only essential belongings and fading hopes.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs reported flooding across 23 administrative areas, affecting more than 69,000 households and disrupting the lives of roughly 310,000 residents.
More than 6,000 households have sought refuge in 84 emergency shelters, where aid workers struggle to provide food, clean water and medical assistance.
The southern district of Chikwawa District emerged as the hardest-hit region, with nearly 25,000 households affected and widespread destruction reshaping entire communities.
Officials confirmed nine deaths in Chikwawa alone, while more than 1,800 displaced residents crowded into 24 emergency shelters established as floodwaters swallowed homes and farmland.
Authorities warned the death toll could rise as assessment teams attempt to reach remote areas still cut off by damaged roads and submerged infrastructure.
Rescue and evaluation efforts continue under difficult conditions, with local officials relying on boats and improvised routes to access stranded populations awaiting assistance.
The disaster management agency said it is coordinating closely with humanitarian partners to deliver emergency relief and stabilise conditions in affected regions.
Government officials have allocated $10 million to address urgent humanitarian needs, restore basic services, prevent secondary crises and begin the long process of early recovery.