DoDMA activates drought action in 23 districts

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has activated early drought action in 23 districts after weather forecasts showed a high risk of dry conditions.

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has activated early drought measures in 23 districts after updated weather forecasts showed conditions have reached the level required for action.

The action means organisations working in the affected districts have been asked to prepare and take steps to reduce the possible effects of drought.

DoDMA said the decision followed an update from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) issued on August 21, 2026.

According to DoDMA, the weather forecast had reached the level required for the activation of Tier 1 drought actions under the National Anticipatory Action Framework.

The districts affected are Balaka, Blantyre, Blantyre City, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Dedza, Dowa, Kasungu, Lilongwe City, Machinga, Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Neno, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Phalombe, Thyolo and Zomba.

DoDMA has advised organisations working in the districts to activate their drought early action plans.

The department has also asked partners to speed up preparations needed to support the early actions.

DoDMA said it would continue to guide organisations as they carry out the activities.
The department issued the activation notice on August 28, 2026.

The early action approach is meant to help communities prepare for possible drought effects before the situation becomes worse.

DoDMA has also encouraged people to stay informed, check on their neighbours, and follow advice from local authorities as preparations continue.