In early March, a severe weather system formed off the eastern coast of Mozambique and hit Malawi with heavy rain accompanied by strong winds in before moving back to the Mozambique channel where it intensified into Cyclone Idai and then hit Malawi a second time.

The heavy and persistent rain led to severe flooding across some districts in southern Malawi. More than 868,900 people have been affected, including more than 86,980 displaced, with 60 deaths and 672 injuries recorded according to the Government. In total, fifteen districts and 2 cities have been impacted.