Overview
A combination of measures is planned to proactively respond to the annual flooding expected in the Nchalo region caused by severe cyclones, which bring death and famine every year. The goal is to ensure the survival of the population (food and shelter), minimize flood-related fatalities, protect property as much as possible, and thereby prevent the annual famine disaster.

 

Project Goal

• Secure the survival of 400 people in and around the town of Nchalo

• Provide food and shelter for the transitional period until the next harvest

• Protect property

• Protect and supplement seeds for replanting after the flood

• Planning is updated annually for the following year. After the next flood disaster, the concept will be reviewed and adjusted if necessary.

 

Measures

• Establish an early warning system (meteorological analysis, mobile phone alerts via telecom providers, messengers, chat groups, YCD informing all village chiefs). This is possible 2-3 days before the storm.

• Give evacuation instructions to the population.

• Property (sleeping mats, cooking equipment, maize sacks, animals) should be taken along and relocated to higher areas where shelter can be found in schools and churches.

• Tent shelters have previously been provided by the sugar cane plantation when these emergency accommodations became overcrowded.

• Maize for 80 families is stocked at YCD for emergencies and is already purchased in October-November of the previous year when maize prices are lowest.

• Seeds for 400 families are procured by YCD when the flood disaster occurs (preventive procurement and storage is not possible as seeds must be fresh).

 

Considerations
People have not been warned so far, although cyclones could be predicted meteorologically 2-3 days in advance. They then had to flee quickly and could take nothing with them. Many died in the floods. With the multi-channel early warning system, it should now be possible to warn the population in time so they can move with their belongings to higher areas and wait there for the water to recede. They consume their own supplies and have their cooking equipment with them.

After the flood, the expected harvest is washed away. So far, people could not generate food due to lack of new seeds, resulting in famine. This is already the second year we are experiencing this. By distributing seeds to 400 families upon their return to their villages, this famine can be avoided.

​

Costs
Patimalawi has raised very large donations during every flood disaster and sent them to Malawi. Maize had to be purchased at more than double the normal price, as traders massively increase prices once the flood disaster strikes.

The procurement and distribution of maize by our partner organization YCD was adventurous and dangerous through flooded roads, with risks of looting, few safe boats, and crocodile dangers. This can no longer be demanded from YCD staff.

With the emergency aid concept, only a quarter of the previous costs will be incurred and an even larger number of people will be helped.

​

Long-term Effects

• Storms are no longer life-threatening for people and animals

• No orphaned children remain

• Economic recovery after floods is possible within 3 months

• Economic development leads to improved quality of life and liquidity for people

• Parents can increasingly pay school fees for their children again

• Reduction in child marriages due to absolute poverty

• Reduction in crime rate due to fewer thefts