Malawi floods and rains recovery program: Floods and rains

In January 2015, heavy rainstorms and floods affected 630,000 people in Malawi. Protracted immersion or flow of water damaged or destroyed dwellings and displaced over 170,000 people, with timber and roofing material also lost to the floods. Catholic Relief Services conducted a physical survey of Phalombe, Zomba and Machinga districts to assess damage and needs, including interviews with householders, focus group discussions with communities and interviews with local government units and nongovernmental organizations.

Based on identified needs and the local market context—as well as feasibility, protection and security, and beneficiary preferences—CRS chose to provide in-kind support, coupled with trainings to communities and local builders.