Malawi has experienced some of the most intense storms in recent history. These powerful weather events have had significant impacts on the landscape and the people living in the region. The country faces tropical cyclones and storms regularly, with some of the strongest causing widespread devastation.
Which storms have shaped Malawi’s weather history? This article takes a deeper look at the biggest storms ever to hit Malawi. From high winds to heavy rains, these storms have left lasting impressions on the nation.
1. Tropical Cyclone Idai
Tropical Cyclone Idai was one of the most devastating storms to hit Malawi and surrounding regions. It struck in March 2019, affecting Mozambique and Zimbabwe as well.
The cyclone brought heavy rains and strong winds. Many areas experienced severe flooding and landslides. Idai left over 1,500 people dead in the affected regions.
Mozambique’s city of Beira was hit particularly hard by the storm. The extensive damage included destroyed homes, infrastructure, and displaced residents. The relief and recovery efforts took months due to the scale of the destruction.
The storm caused widespread humanitarian crises, with countless individuals missing and many more in need of assistance. Cyclone Idai stands as one of the deadliest and most destructive storms ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. Cyclone Lorna
Cyclone Lorna was one of the significant storms to impact Malawi. It struck the country in April 2019, causing widespread damage, especially in southern regions.
With wind speeds reaching up to 130 km/h, Cyclone Lorna brought heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding in many areas. The resulting damage affected homes, roads, and farmlands.
Many communities experienced power outages and water supply issues. The cyclone also caused the displacement of numerous families, highlighting the need for better disaster preparedness in the region.
3. Cyclone Bansi
Cyclone Bansi was a significant storm that impacted Malawi in recent years. It formed in the Indian Ocean and made its way towards the African continent, gaining strength as it moved.
The cyclone caused considerable damage, especially in the southern regions of Malawi. Strong winds and heavy rainfall led to flooding and the destruction of homes and infrastructure.
Many communities were severely affected. Relief efforts were mobilized to provide aid and support to those impacted. The scale of the damage highlighted the vulnerability of Malawi to such natural disasters.
Authorities used the experience of Cyclone Bansi to improve disaster preparedness and response systems. This helped better protect the population in future storms.
4. Cyclone Funso
Cyclone Funso was a powerful tropical storm in January 2012. It caused major flooding in Mozambique and Malawi. This cyclone was part of the 2011-12 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season.
Funso was the eighth tropical cyclone and the sixth named storm of that season. It was also the first intense tropical cyclone since Gelane in 2010. It significantly affected the weather patterns in the region.
Flooding from Cyclone Funso led to severe damage in parts of Malawi and Mozambique. Many communities had to deal with the aftermath of the storm. Funso remains one of the notable cyclones in recent years.
5. Tropical Storm Ana
Tropical Storm Ana struck Malawi in January 2022. It brought strong winds and heavy rains, especially in the Southern and Central Districts.
This storm caused significant flooding and damage to infrastructure. Many roads and bridges were left in bad condition.
More than 70 people across the region died due to this storm. An estimated 945,728 people in Malawi needed humanitarian assistance and protection according to ReliefWeb.
Schools were also impacted, with 70 primary schools affected in the hardest-hit districts. The hardest-hit areas included Chikwawa, Mangochi, Mulanje, Nsanje, and Phalombe.
Access to these areas was challenging due to damaged infrastructure. The storm highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness in Malawi and other affected nations. For more details check Wikipedia.
6. Cyclone Jokwe
Cyclone Jokwe was the first tropical cyclone to make landfall in Mozambique since Cyclone Favio in 2007. It hit in March 2008, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
Jokwe reached peak intensity with winds of 105 mph, making it an intense tropical cyclone.
The cyclone caused significant damage, impacting communities and infrastructure. Flooding and high winds led to the destruction of homes and crops.
Mozambique suffered greatly from the storm, with many areas experiencing severe flooding. The impact on Malawi was less direct, but the heavy rains still affected the region.
Cyclone Jokwe’s destruction highlights the challenges these communities face during such intense weather events.
7. Tropical Storm Chalane
Tropical Storm Chalane affected parts of the Southern Hemisphere during the 2020-21 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season.
Chalane developed from a disturbed weather zone, which was first tracked by RSMC La Réunion on December 19, 2020.
The storm was the fourth tropical depression and third named storm of that season.
Chalane caused significant damage when it made landfall.
Find more details about it on its Wikipedia page.
8. Cyclone Eloise
Cyclone Eloise struck Southern Africa in January 2021. The storm made landfall just north of Beira, Mozambique. It caused significant damage and flooding in the region.
As Eloise moved inland, it impacted several countries. In Mozambique, it led to 11 fatalities. It also caused extreme weather conditions in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.
Eloise’s heavy rains were particularly damaging to Malawi. Flooding in the country led to the deaths of 198 people. The cyclone’s impact was deeply felt, with many homes and infrastructure affected.
For more details about Cyclone Eloise, you can refer to the relevant article on Wikipedia.
9. Tropical Cyclone Freddy
Tropical Cyclone Freddy caused significant damage in Malawi in 2024. It hit the country twice in one month, devastating communities. This made it one of the longest-lasting and most powerful storms in the Southern Hemisphere.
Freddy killed more than 225 people in Malawi and left thousands of homes destroyed. Many areas were flooded with brown water, and landslides were common.
The government declared a state of disaster and set up 30 emergency camps to help at least 20,000 people who had to evacuate their homes. Freddy not only hit Malawi but also caused damage in Madagascar and Mozambique.
10. Cyclone Gombe
Cyclone Gombe struck Malawi in March 2022. This cyclone followed Tropical Storm Ana, which had already caused significant damage in January.
Cyclone Gombe brought heavy rains and strong winds, leading to severe flooding and destruction. Roads, houses, schools, and health facilities were damaged.
Many areas already impacted by Tropical Storm Ana were hit again, exacerbating the situation. Cyclone Gombe increased the vulnerability of the affected communities, leading to further challenges in recovery efforts.
World Vision responded by providing aid to more than 60,000 people in need.
Historical Context
Malawi has a long history of being impacted by significant storms. Both the methods used to track these storms and their profound effects on local communities have evolved over time.
Cyclone Tracking Methods
Early methods of tracking storms in Malawi were rudimentary, relying on simple tools and anecdotal observations. As technology advanced, tracking methods improved dramatically. Modern techniques include satellite imagery, weather radar, and computer models. These tools allow meteorologists to predict the path and intensity of storms with greater accuracy.
Organizations like the Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services now provide real-time updates and alerts. This technological progress has been crucial in preparing for and minimizing the impacts of cyclones.
Impact on Local Communities
The impact of cyclones on local communities in Malawi has been devastating. In recent decades, storms like Tropical Cyclone Freddy have caused severe flooding and mudslides. These natural disasters have resulted in significant loss of life and property. For example, Cyclone Freddy killed 216 people in Malawi and Mozambique.
The poorest areas often suffer the most due to inadequate infrastructure and limited resources for recovery. Efforts to rebuild are ongoing, but the economic and social toll is immense. Local communities rely heavily on international aid and support to recover from the aftermath of such powerful storms.
Meteorological Factors
Storms in Malawi are influenced by a mix of climate patterns and the conditions in the Indian Ocean. Understanding these factors is key to grasping why some storms become especially severe.
Climate Patterns Influencing Storms
Tropical cyclones in Malawi are shaped by climate patterns such as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The ITCZ is a region where northern and southern trade winds meet, creating thunderstorms and heavy rains. When the ITCZ moves, it can bring significant rainfall and strong winds to Malawi.
The ENSO impacts the Indian Ocean’s temperatures. During El Niño years, ocean surface temperatures rise, often leading to more intense storms. Conversely, La Niña can result in cooler sea temperatures, which might reduce storm frequency.
Extended wet and dry seasons also play a role. During the wet season, the country is more vulnerable to flooding and landslides. These patterns underscore the complexity and variability of storms hitting Malawi.
Role of the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is critical in storm formation and strength. Warm sea surface temperatures in this ocean can fuel cyclones, making them more powerful. Higher temperatures lead to more moisture in the air, which can result in intense rainfall and stronger winds.
The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) also affects storm activity. The MJO is a large-scale weather pattern that moves eastward through the tropics, influencing rainfall and wind patterns. When the MJO is in the Indian Ocean, it can enhance cyclonic activity by providing necessary atmospheric conditions.
Ocean currents and the temperature of deeper ocean layers further influence storm intensity. Warm currents can provide the energy required for storms to intensify, making the Indian Ocean a crucial factor in understanding meteorological aspects of storms that hit Malawi.
Preparation and Response
Key measures in Malawi’s handling of major storms include government-led initiatives and community preparedness strategies. These efforts are crucial to mitigating disaster impacts and ensuring safety for the population.
Government Initiatives
The Malawian government has implemented various measures to combat the effects of severe storms. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) often leads these efforts, coordinating with organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
They have set up emergency response teams and declared states of disaster in heavily affected areas. For example, during Cyclone Freddy, the government declared a state of disaster in ten southern districts and established 534 camps to accommodate displaced individuals.
Government efforts also include public awareness campaigns on safety measures during storms, distribution of relief supplies, and infrastructure rebuilding programs. They are working on improving early warning systems to forecast incoming storms more accurately.
Coordination with international aid organizations ensures a timely response, as evident in the coordinated efforts to assist nearly 508,244 displaced individuals following major storms.
Community Preparedness
Community involvement plays a vital role in minimizing the toll of major storms in Malawi.
Local communities are encouraged to participate in preparedness programs that include creating emergency plans and setting up local response teams.
Education on storm safety is widespread.
Schools and community centers often hold disaster preparedness drills.
Community leaders organize workshops to train residents on first aid, emergency evacuation routes, and how to secure homes against strong winds and flooding.
These grassroots efforts are integral to reducing risks and saving lives.
Additionally, many communities have learned to cultivate and maintain natural barriers such as planting trees to reduce soil erosion and flooding.
Simple measures, like creating raised homes in flood-prone areas, are practical ways people prepare for potential storms.
This proactive approach enables communities to be better-equipped and more resilient in the face of natural disasters.