Safety in Malawi

Disaster risks and crime risks require different precautions. Disaster preparedness focuses on warnings, safe movement, evacuation, emergency supplies, communication and recovery. Crime prevention focuses on securing valuables, reducing exposure to isolated places at night, protecting vehicles and accounts, and seeking help after an incident. Floods, droughts and cyclone impacts create especially serious practical risks in the Lower Shire, the Southern Region, lakeshore areas and other exposed settlements. Landslides and other emergencies can also affect access, housing and essential services. A safety plan should account for possible interruptions to roads, water, electricity and communication rather than relying on normal travel or phone access. Crime in Malawi includes theft, break-ins, robbery, assault, sexual and child-related offences, vehicle theft, murder, and online or financial scams. The Malawi Police Service recorded 45,490 cases in 2023, but registered cases do not measure every incident. After a crime, a report can be made at a Police Station or to a patrol officer; victim support, child-protection assistance or cyber-incident support may also be needed depending on the case. Keep emergency contacts, essential documents, medicines, water and communication equipment accessible. Check current warnings before travelling through exposed areas, protect valuables in daily life and avoid treating the absence of a reported incident as proof that an area has no risk. The right precautions depend on the location, season, type of journey and the kind of threat involved.