Could this flood detector save lives in Malawi?

Communities that are constantly at risk of flooding are finding hope because of a new device created by 24-year-old Malawian inventor Steward Nankhumwa. His flood detecting gadget is intended to provide individuals with vital warning time prior to the arrival of flooding by sounding an alarm within a 100-meter radius.

Steward explains in an interview with DW, “This flood detector is used to alert people when the flood is coming and the flood detector has three levels. I did not learn in class but I just read books and came up with these ideas because of the floods that happened here.”

The recent devastation of Cyclone Freddy in 2023 left families like that of Mustafa Lyson in peril, with their home collapsing in the middle of the night.

Mustafa, who supports Steward’s innovation, recalls, “The recent Cyclone Freddy hit us hard; our house collapsed as the rains came at night. We were not able to run to a safer place. This innovation will alert us to go to safer places in good time, and this will protect our lives and infrastructure.”

Recognising the life-saving potential of the device, Zomba City Council has partnered with Steward to integrate his flood detector into their disaster response plans. Gomezgani Nyasulu, Zomba’s Disaster Desk Officer, noted, “The innovation is an open door for us as Zomba City Council to embrace it in terms of flood warning.”

In addition to the innovation, Steward is teaching young people in the area how to think creatively and come up with more ideas for their communities. For regions that are vulnerable to flooding, this collaboration and the assistance of Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs mark a positive development.

With the support of local leaders, could Malawi be setting the standard for community-driven disaster preparedness?