INVESTIGATING THE CHALLENGES, THE EVACUEES FACE AT AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION SHELTER AND THEIR COPING STRATEGIES: A CASE STUDY OF TA MBAWELA IN THYOLO DISTRICT

The research project focused on examining the challenges faced by evacuees at evacuation centers during and after disasters, with a specific emphasis on gender-based vulnerabilities and coping strategies. Key informant interviews were conducted with various stakeholders involved in disaster management in Thyolo District, Malawi. Data collection methods included the use of a structured questionnaire administered to participants in a disasterprone area. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques. The findings highlighted the diverse challenges experienced by evacuees at emergency evacuation centers and the effects these challenges had on their well-being. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on disaster management, emergency response, and community resilience. Insights from the study can inform the development of policies, community-based strategies, and educational programs aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness, mitigation, and community empowerment. The study underscores the importance of community participation, ethical considerations, and the promotion of coping strategies to support the resilience of evacuees during disasters.

The research project focused on examining the challenges faced by evacuees at evacuation centers during and after disasters, with a specific emphasis on gender-based vulnerabilities and coping strategies. The findings highlighted the diverse challenges experienced by evacuees at emergency evacuation centers and the effects these challenges had on their well-being. Insights from the study can inform the development of policies, community-based strategies, and educational programs aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness, mitigation, and community empowerment. The study underscores the importance of community participation, ethical considerations, and the promotion of coping strategies to support the resilience of evacuees during disasters.

The study was conducted in some villages found in Tradition Authority (TA) Mbawela in Thyolo district, southern part of Malawi. These villages are Mbawela, Konzalendo, Sandama and Salijeni, Kamba, Kapolo, Mulonda, Nchenga, khuguwe and Namakhwa. Geographically, it is located at latitude -16.043905 and longitude 35.082566. This district covers an area of 1,715km2. (Mc Auliffe, 1992). The area is located along the Ruo River and Nsuwa. Ruo River is Main River that significantly contribute to riverine flooding in the area due to the many tributaries that empty water in it. The area consists terrain, but there are also flat parts forming a basin where the Ruo and Nsuwazi rivers converge. TA Mbawela is predominantly rural, with farming being the primary occupation for its residents. The land supports both subsistence and potentially commercial farming activities, such as tea cultivation. Additionally, some individuals rely on natural resources like trees as their source of income generation, engaging in activities like charcoal burning, collecting and selling firewood, and timber production. It has population of 49,022 (NSO Malawi, 2018). The region's susceptibility to various natural disasters, including storms, riverine floods, minor landslides, and droughts, necessitates a focused examination of evacuee experiences.

Traditional authority: Scmbawela

District: Thyolo

Coordinates: -16.24355, 35.2224