Twenty-three people have been confirmed dead in 13 southern Malawi districts following severe flooding resulting from heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, Xinhua reported.

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining said the figures are from preliminary reports collected from various districts including Blantyre.

Heavy rains over the past few days have resulted in severe flooding in most parts of the southern region with people missing and others confirmed dead.

"The department has deployed search and rescue teams in collaboration with the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service and Malawi Red Cross to help in the rescue operation," the statement said.

The department has also deployed 23 trucks of relief items to be distributed in the affected districts, it said.