As of 27 January 2023, heavy rains and flash floods in the country have caused widespread damage to homes, farmland, and livestock, resulting in communities being isolated without access to healthcare and education. Sanitation facilities have also been submerged, putting the population at high risk of waterborne diseases.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) conducted an aerial survey of affected communities in Southern and Central provinces, calling for emergency intervention for delivery of food and non-food relief items. The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) has been issuing flood warnings since mid-January, warning of severe flooding on several river systems and rising levels of rivers such as the Luangwa. An estimated 15,000 people from 3,500 households were affected by flooding in Southern Province in January 2022.