Lilongwe City Council has blamed poor and unplanned drainage systems for worsening flooding in the capital after heavy overnight rains triggered flash floods that destroyed homes and property in Chinsapo, under Traditional Authorities Malili and M’bwatalika. 

At least one person has died while nearly 100 others have been displaced, as fast-moving water swept through low-lying settlements, washing away household belongings and forcing families to seek safety in public buildings. 

Director of Planning and Development for Lilongwe City Council, Julius Tsogolani, said the flooding reflects long-standing infrastructure weaknesses, noting that blocked and undersized drainage channels continue to expose communities to severe flooding whenever heavy rains occur. 

Many of the affected families have taken refuge at Chinsapo Secondary School. 

Commissioner and Principal Secretary for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Wilson Moleni, said at least 97 people — including 38 women and 57 men — have been directly affected and require immediate support. 

“We came to appreciate the extent of the damage caused by the heavy rains, and we can confirm that a lot of property has been destroyed, particularly in Traditional Authorities Malili and M’bwatalika, affecting over 100 people,” Moleni said. 

He added that DoDMA had already distributed essential relief items such as maize flour, tents, soap and kitchen utensils, and would engage the Ministry of Education to suspend classes at Chinsapo Secondary School to allow the blocks to be used as a temporary campsite. 

Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Kamphuno Constituency, Khadija Chunga, commended DoDMA for its swift response and joined the affected families in appealing for urgent assistance. 

“The tragedy that has befallen my constituency is heartbreaking, and I appeal for urgent support, especially food and other basic necessities, as many families have lost everything,” Chunga said.

Residents like Estele Asidi said the floods have destroyed homes and livelihoods. 

“Everything has been destroyed, and my business has been affected because I lost about 500 chickens,” she said, appealing to well-wishers for help. 

The Chinsapo floods come amid a wider pattern of rain-related disasters across Malawi this season.