Earthquake Resources & Safety

Seismic Activity Level

Seismicity of Malawi

Malawi lies within the western branch of the East African Rift System which is a seismically active region. The region is characterized by ongoing continental extension and active normal faulting, making Malawi a significant area for studying the mechanics of intracontinental rifting and related seismic hazards.

The northern and central regions of the country show the highest seismic activity, particularly in areas where fault zones are well developed. In contrast, the southern region has seen fewer events and remains relatively quiet in comparison.

Malawi has had two devastating earthquakes in its history. The March 10, 1989 Mw 6.3 earthquake occurred on the northern tip of the Bilila-Mtakataka Fault which claimed nine lives, displaced over fifty thousand people, and caused landslides in Dowa and Kasungu. The second event was the December 19, 2009 Mw 6.0 earthquake in Karonga (along St. Mary Fault) which caused four deaths, 300 injuries and displaced over five thousand households. These events show how vulnerable the country is to earthquakes or ground shaking.

Disasters strike without warning, often leaving behind widespread damage, loss of life, and long-term socioeconomic impacts. In seismically active countries like Malawi, the risks associated with earthquakes are real and recurring. Preparing for disasters is an essential component of national resilience and sustainable development. Early preparedness reduces vulnerability, minimizes casualties, safeguards infrastructure, and accelerates recovery when emergencies occur.

Preparing for disasters involves public education, resilient building practices, emergency response planning, and integration of scientific knowledge into policy. It is a shared responsibility which requires the coordination of government agencies, scientific institutions, local communities, individuals, and international partners. Investing in preparedness helps reduce the human and economic toll of future disasters and build a safer, more resilient society.

Schools have a unique and powerful role to play in disaster preparedness. Beyond their primary function as centers of learning, schools can serve as safe gathering spaces and focal points for community preparedness efforts. Equipping teachers, students, and administrators with knowledge and practical skills is an essential part of strengthening local resilience to earthquakes. Classroom instruction should be paired with hands-on activities like safety drills, evacuation practice, and school-based hazard mapping. These exercises prepare students to respond calmly and effectively if a real event occurs.

Schools should routinely assess the condition of their buildings, reinforce structures where necessary, and ensure that emergency exits and escape routes are clearly marked and kept unobstructed. Forming school-based safety committees that include students, teachers, and parents can enhance preparedness through shared planning and responsibilities.

When schools commit to disaster readiness, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Students gain the confidence and knowledge to take action, often becoming advocates for safety in their homes and communities. In doing so, schools lay the groundwork for a culture of preparedness that protects lives and supports long-term resilience.