Malawi Declares 14-Day National Mourning Period After Cyclone Freddy Devastates Country, Killing 225

Malawi-Malawi is in mourning following the devastation wrought by Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which has claimed 225 lives and injured 707 people, while more than 83,000 people have been displaced from their homes in 13 districts.

Meanwhile, President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a 14-day national mourning period and ordered all flags to fly at half-mast for the first seven days in honour of the victims.

During a visit to the affected areas on Wednesday, President Chakwera expressed his concern over the level of devastation and pledged to ensure that all those who had lost their lives received a proper and dignified burial.

The disaster has also washed away newly planted farms and destroyed public infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, and roads.

The Malawi leader has authorized the release of 1.6 billion Kwacha to aid those affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which has been assaulting large parts of the country for three days.

The funds are aimed at enabling rescue and relief workers on the ground to meet the immediate needs of victims left in the wake of the cyclone.

However, the president acknowledged that the amount would not be nearly enough given the extensive damage caused by the cyclone, which is the worst the country has seen in decades.

President Chakwera declared a state of natural disaster across the southern region of Malawi to unlock additional support from the international community.

The president promised to update the public on the progress made in securing further aid from international partners in the coming days.

President Chakwera has called on all Malawians to work together to implement a shared strategy for rescue, relief, and long-term reconstruction efforts.

The president also highlighted the need for immediate action, calling on all state actors, non-state actors, officials, and volunteers to pull in the same direction to implement a shared strategy.

The focus would be on the four objectives of giving the victims a proper and dignified burial, bringing those stranded in unsafe areas to safety, coordinating efforts to make the most of shared resources, and securing as much support as possible from international partners and local stakeholders.

Once these short-term objectives have been met, the president has called for a long season of national rebuilding and reconstruction.

He urged all Malawians to put aside their political differences and make sacrifices to ensure that the country is stronger and more resilient in readiness for future disasters.