Cyclone Freddy survivors cry for help after camp closure

ZOMBA, Malawi— Hawa Yunusu, a survivor of Cyclone Freddy that hit Zomba District in February, is among hundreds of people who are struggling to rebuild their lives after the government decommissioned the camps where they were sheltering, writes Peter Ngwenyama.

Yunusu, who lives in Masambuka Village, said she lost everything when the heavy rainfall caused floods that damaged her property and left her stranded.

"We have no food, no clothes, no shelter. We are suffering here. The government promised to give us starter packs when they closed the camps, but they never did," she said.

Grace Kwerepeta, the member of parliament for Zomba Malosa constituency, said she has been engaging different stakeholders to assist the survivors with relief items, but the situation is still dire.

She accused the government of abandoning the survivors without considering their welfare.

"It is sad to see that the government decommissioned the camps without providing any alternative means of support for these people. They are living in poverty and dilapidated environments. They need urgent help," she said.

Kwerepeta said she was grateful to the Michiana Seventh-day Adventist Church from America for donating assorted items worth 3 million kwacha ($3,750) to over 350 households in her constituency.

Chris Maulidi Phiri, a representative of the church, said they decided to assist the survivors as a way of easing some of the challenges they face.

"As a church, our role is to help the needy regardless of their religious affiliation. We are here to show them love and compassion," he said.