In an unfolding water emergency, a search and rescue operation is underway after a Zomba District Health Office boat capsized on Lake Chilwa on the morning of May 18. According to the Nyasa Times, marine police were immediately deployed to the area to search for the nine people who were reportedly on board when the vessel overturned.
Separately, Malawian climate experts are urging the public not to panic over global warnings of a potential strong El Niño developing in mid-2026. According to the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) and researchers at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, it is too early to confirm the local impact of the weather pattern. James Pagona of the DCCMS stated to the press that an official seasonal forecast clarifying the situation will not be available until August.