By Edwin Mauluka

President Peter Mutharika has ordered the Ministry of Transport and Public Works and the Roads Authority to immediately inspect all bridges along Malawi’s major roads, following widespread damage caused by persistent rainfall.

According to a statement issued by Chief Secretary Justin Saidi on Tuesday, the directive aims to ensure that bridges remain safe and functional as heavy rains continue to wash away key sections of the national road network.

“Government is committed to ensuring that Malawi’s roads are safe for travel without disruptions. Relevant entities will fast-track restoration of damaged bridges to minimise economic disruptions,” Saidi said.

Continuous heavy rains since December 22, 2025 have damaged multiple bridges and road sections, cutting off traffic in several areas. The M001 road between Mzuzu and Lilongwe was severed after Mpasadzi Bridge was damaged between Mphomphwa and Chatoloma. Although Nkhamenya Bridge in Kasungu has been repaired, Mpasadzi Bridge currently supports vehicles weighing up to five tons only, with an alternative route designated for heavier vehicles.

Several sections of the M005 road also remain impassable. The Roads Authority reports damage at Dwangwa, Kaombe, Ling’ona, Nchandilo, Bauti, and Luluzi bridges, affecting connectivity between Nkhotakota, Salima, Kasungu, and Mzuzu.

Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer Ammiel Champiti said Mota-Engil has been deployed to work on affected areas along the M001, while China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is addressing damage along the M005.

“In parallel, the Authority is conducting rapid technical assessments and identifying alternative routes to facilitate temporary traffic diversion,” Champiti said. He appealed for patience from road users and urged the public to avoid flooded or visibly damaged road sections.

Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) says preliminary reports show that 7,205 households — about 32,422 people — have been affected across 13 councils. Commissioner Wilson Moleni confirmed three deaths and 41 injuries, mostly due to collapsing walls.

DoDMA is distributing food and non-food items, including maize, beans, blankets, pails, and plastic sheeting, while local search and rescue operations are underway in Nsanje and Nkhotakota. A national rescue team—comprising the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, Marine Department and Malawi Red Cross Society—remains on standby.

Moleni said DoDMA is working with the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services to disseminate early warnings as the risk of flash floods remains high.

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