Flood Response
How UNICEF is helping children affected by floods in Malawi
On Monday, 13 March, Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit Malawi, causing heavy rain and floods that affected 15 districts in the southern region of the country.
The cyclone caused 657 deaths and 659,000 people are internally displaced. About 5.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including 2.9 million children.
Infrastructure, homes, businesses, and health centers, including cholera treatment units and schools were heavily damaged by the tropical cyclone. Moreover, Malawi is already struggling with one of the most severe cholera outbreaks that have claimed over 1,700 lives. Severe weather events like this worsen the spread of water-borne diseases like cholera.
Funding Appeal
UNICEF is appealing for US$ 52,422,480 to sustain lifesaving services for people affected by cholera, floods, and food insecurity as per the 2023 Malawi Humanitarian Appeal for Children (HAC). To date, UNICEF has US$ 11,902,288 available, representing a 77 per cent ($40,520,192) gap in the funding
requirement. Malawi is revising the HAC based on the emerging flood and food insecurity needs, which has exacerbated the vulnerability of children and their families and increased the possible spread of cholera.
Stories from the field
Situation Reports, Media and Publications
