Cyclone Chido Rips Through Malawi, Devastating Thousands

On December 15, Cyclone Chido swept from the east coast of Africa to Malawi, bringing high-speed winds of 124 miles per hour and heavy rainfall equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane. The storm ravaged 14 districts across the country, affecting a population of approximately 34,740, leaving seven people dead, 16 injured, and many communities cut off from food, clean water, and health care.

Neno District, a remote region of Malawi, bore the brunt of the cyclone’s destruction. At least 253 homes were damaged, while extreme winds ripped away the roofs of schools, government buildings, and health facilities. The county’s Department of Disaster Management reported that critical roads leading to Matandani, Matope, Nsambe, and Dambe were destroyed, making access to health facilities in these locations extremely challenging. This has left many families stranded, unable to reach essential health services.

Partners In Health (PIH), known as Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU) in Malawi, has worked alongside the country’s government since 2007 to provide health and social services to Neno’s community. Despite promising strides in the district’s health care offering over the past 17 years, infrastructure in the region is limited—the district has only one paved road, and just over 3% of households have access to electricity.  

Due to its underdeveloped infrastructure and geographic remoteness, Malawi is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events like cyclones, floods, and droughts. In recent years climate change has intensified the impact of such events, leading to catastrophic results.  

APZU staff are assessing the community's immediate needs and coordinating with local authorities to respond to the unfolding crisis. The team will assist with repairing damaged roads and will provide support to vulnerable households affected by the storm. APZU is also taking measures to prepare for a potential cholera outbreak.

Cyclone Chido exited Malawi on December 16, moving into neighboring Mozambique, but its aftermath continues to pose significant risks. Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) confirmed that the cyclone is no longer an active threat to the country, and they ceased search and rescue operations—but lingering extreme weather conditions could lead to flash floods and further destruction. As a precaution, the National Emergency Operation Centre remains operational, monitoring the situation and ready to respond as needed.  

The local government is currently completing an impact and needs assessment to determine the extent of the storm’s damage. Response teams across Malawi anticipate an urgent need for food and other items in the coming weeks, including blankets, sleeping mats, and tents.  

Meanwhile, PIH continues to support government stakeholders in mobilizing resources to address the evolving needs of the affected communities. Ensuring access to health care remains a priority.