Climate change - induced impact in Lilongwe, Malawi: increased flooding and erratic rainfall.
Hello everyone, I'm Loretta Machilika from Malawi.
One major climate change impact affecting Lilongwe is more frequent and intense flooding caused by erratic rainfall. In recent years, the city has experienced heavy downpours within short periods, especially during the rainy season, which overwhelm rivers such as the Lilongwe River and urban drainage systems.
Challenges for the community and infrastructure:
These floods damage homes—particularly in low-lying and informal settlements—destroy household property, and displace families. Roads and bridges are often washed away, disrupting transport, school attendance, and access to health facilities. Poor drainage and unplanned urban expansion worsen the situation, leading to stagnant water that increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. Flooding also affects nearby agricultural fields, reducing crop yields and threatening food security for households that depend on small-scale farming.
Community and institutional responses:
The community has responded in several ways. Some residents are raising house foundations, digging drainage channels, and avoiding construction near riverbanks. Local councils and the government, through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), have improved early warning systems, conducted community sensitization, and provided emergency relief during flood events. NGOs and community groups support tree planting, riverbank protection, and climate-smart agriculture to reduce runoff and improve resilience. While these efforts help, continued investment in urban planning, drainage infrastructure, and climate adaptation is still needed to protect livelihoods in Lilongwe.