National disaster risk management policy

           GOVERNMENT OF MALAWI




NATIONAL DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT
              POLICY
                  2015
For further information, contact:

The Secretary and Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs
Private Bag 336
Lilongwe 3
Malawi

Physical address:    2ndFloor, Ministry of Economic Planning and Development
                     Building, Capital Hill, Lilongwe 3, Malawi.




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FOREWORD
Malawi faces a number of disasters, both natural and human-made which include floods,
drought, stormy rains, strong winds, hailstorms, landslides, earthquakes, pest infestations,
diseases outbreaks, fire and accidents. The intensity and frequency of disasters has been
increasing, in light of climate change, population growth, urbanisation and environmental
degradation. Disasters disrupt people’s livelihoods, endanger human and food security,
damage infrastructure and hinder socio-economic growth and development. Disasters also
increase the poverty of rural and urban households and erode the ability of the national
economy to invest in key social sectors which are important to reducing poverty. It is, therefore,
important to address disaster risks for the socio-economic development of the country.

Disaster risk management, together with social support, is considered within theme three
“Social Support and Disaster Risk Management” of the Malawi Growth and Development
Strategy II (MGDS II); a national development strategy that ensures that resources are
targeted towards priority areas thereby contributing to the attainment of sustainable
development.

The development of the National Disaster Risk Management (NDRM) Policy is a major step
towards achieving sustainable development through ensuring that disaster risk management
is integrated in development planning by all sectors in the country. The policy will also facilitate
the effective coordination of disaster risk management programmes in the country. It highlights
a set of key priority areas and strategies for making Malawi a nation resilient to disasters. It
also provides a common direction to all government, non-governmental organisations, private
sector organizations, media and development partners at national and local levels on how to
effectively implement disaster risk management programmes and activities.

I commend all stakeholders for their commitment in the development of this policy. This policy
calls upon all sectors and stakeholders to pursue a proactive and integrated way of reducing