Zim donates 300 Tons Of Aid To Flood-Hit Malawi, Pledges More Assistance
By Agencies
LILONGWE, Malawi — Zimbabwe delivered humanitarian aid, including 300 tons of red sorghum and hundreds of tents to Malawi on Monday, responding to devastating floods that have killed 36 people and displaced thousands since September.
Zimbabwe Ambassador Nancy Saungweme handed over the relief consignment to Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda, saying the assistance demonstrates Pan-African solidarity and reaffirms bonds between the two nations.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and the people of Zimbabwe, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by this calamity,” Saungweme said during the handover ceremony attended by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr. Justine A.K. Saidi and Department of Disaster Management Affairs Commissioner Wilson Moleni.
The relief consignment comprises 300 tons of red sorghum, 800 kilograms of mealie-meal, 280 kilograms of sugar, 144 litres of cooking oil, 322 cabin tents, 697 blankets, other assorted food items and essential non-food supplies aimed at alleviating the suffering of those displaced and affected by disasters.
Saungweme said the delivery represents the first consignment, with another shipment to follow on a date to be advised.
“This gesture is not merely an act of charity but a testament to the enduring spirit of African unity and cooperation,” she said.
The ambassador quoted President Mnangagwa saying, “In times of adversity, the spirit of Pan-African solidarity must guide our actions.”
She said Zimbabwe acted swiftly after President Arthur Peter Mutharika declared a state of disaster, convening a resource mobilisation meeting and constituting a Disaster Relief Committee through ZimAid to develop a comprehensive assistance package.
“The bonds between Zimbabwe and Malawi are rooted in a shared history, mutual respect, and unwavering solidarity,” Saungweme said.
“Our nations have stood together through times of prosperity and adversity, and today, we reaffirm our commitment to this brotherly and sisterly relationship.”
She quoted Zimbabwe Vice President Dr. Kembo Mohadi, saying during the launch of the resource mobilization taskforce, “Zimbabwe and Malawi are inseparable twins and the former’s shoulder is always available for the latter to lean on in her time of need.”
Saungweme praised Malawi’s emergency response systems for working tirelessly to assist those in need.
“We wish you strength and courage as you rebuild the damaged infrastructure and help the injured to recover,” she said.
The ambassador said Zimbabwe remains committed to standing with Malawi during challenging times.
“We believe that through regional cooperation and shared humanity, we can overcome even the most formidable obstacles,” she said.
“May this assistance bring some measure of comfort to those in need, and may the ties between our two nations grow ever stronger.”
According to DoDMA, disasters including stormy rains, strong winds, flash floods and lightning have affected approximately 160,000 people across 29 districts since Sept. 1, with 36 deaths, 168 injuries and two people missing.
Nkhotakota District has been hardest hit, registering 10,772 affected households, 11 deaths, 37 injuries and two missing persons. The district is hosting 2,132 displaced households — approximately 9,600 people — in 12 camps.
Heavy rains from Dec. 26-29 caused severe damage to infrastructure including collapsed bridges and washed-away road diversions, cutting access for thousands of residents. Defense Minister Feston Kaufa reported that torrential rains caused the Dwangwa River to overflow with unprecedented force, rising to 3,200 cubic meters and unleashing flooding Nkhotakota had never experienced before.
The flooding crisis comes as Malawi implements a K209 billion Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme following a difficult farming season marked by erratic rainfall that worsened food insecurity nationwide.
Aid organizations including Wandikweza, have mobilised to support overwhelmed local authorities, delivering emergency relief to flood survivors with maize flour, hygiene kits and waterproof tarpaulins.
Weather forecasts indicate flash flood threats continue in 14 districts, including Nkhotakota, Salima, Mzimba, Kasungu, Nkhata Bay, Dowa, Mchinji, Ntchisi, Mzuzu, Likoma, Machinga, Mangochi, Zomba and Balaka.
