United States Embassy Lilongwe, Malawi Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Flooding in Southern Malawi January 14, 2015 Following heavy rains which continue to drive rising water levels throughout Malawi, the President of Malawi has declared a Disaster Zone in the districts of Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, Zomba, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Mulanje, Balaka, Machinga, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Salima, Rumphi and Karonga. Flooding has destroyed homes and inundated villages, displacing an estimated 45,000 people. Media reports indicate at least two people were killed when their homes collapsed. Assessment of damage and displaced populations continue but are hampered due to the inaccessibility of affected areas. The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens defer nonessential travel to the affected areas. U.S. citizens residing in Malawi should assess their personal circumstances and relocate as needed. Please review your personal security and disaster preparedness plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. If possible, secure and maintain on hand a supply of clean water, food, and essential medications sufficient for all family members for at least 48 hours. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Malawi enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Regularly monitor the State Departments website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Malawi. For additional information, refer to the Travelers Checklist on the State Department’s website. Contact the U.S. embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips. The U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe is located on Kenyatta Drive, Area 40, Plot 24, Lilongwe 3, and is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Telephone 01-733-166. In the event that the land line is malfunctioning, please call the following mobile number 0999-591-024 and 0888-734-826 (if in Malawi) or 011-265-999-591-024 and 011-265-888-734-826 (if in the U.S.).
Posted on: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 11:06:39 +0000
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