Malawi Mourns as Death Toll from Tropical Cyclone Freddy Tops 500: Worst Climate Change Event in Living Memory

Malawi-Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has reported a death toll of over 500 from the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy in the southern region of the country, writes Winston Mwale.

In a speech to parliament on Wednesday, President Chakwera stated that the cyclone induced torrential rains, causing flooding in half of Malawi's districts, making it the worst climate change event in living memory.

Chakwera also reported that over 1,300 people sustained injuries, while more than 530 are still missing and unaccounted for. The cyclone has also caused psychological trauma and suffering among Malawians.

The president declared a 14-day period of mourning and ordered flags to fly at half-mast for the first half of that period.

However, he emphasized that the nation cannot afford to mourn with their arms folded and called for support from international partners and local stakeholders to address the enormous needs facing the country.

In his speech to parliament, he unveiled "Operation Tigwirane Manja," a four-objective mission aimed at ensuring proper burials for the deceased, bringing those stranded in unsafe areas to shelters, coordinating all actors, and securing as much support as possible from international partners and local stakeholders.

Chakwera also reported that over 1,300 people were injured, and the trauma and anguish experienced by the survivors was "unimaginable."

"Cyclone Freddy dumped the equivalent of 6 months of rainfall in 6 days," according to the Malawi chapter of the World Food Programme, causing flooding in 14 southern districts.

The rains continued beyond the cyclone, hampering relief efforts.

President Chakwera, who was attending the 5th Summit of the 46 Least Developed Countries in Qatar when the cyclone hit, immediately declared a State of National Disaster upon his return to Malawi and engaged South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for assistance.

Private sector players in South Africa responded with donations, including 1 million Rands to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

He called for all Malawians and international partners to "pull in the same direction" to meet the "enormous needs" the country is facing.

The four objectives of "Operation Tigwirane Manja," which Chakwera launched immediately upon his return, are to ensure proper burials for the deceased, bring those stranded to safety, coordinate all actors, and secure as much support as possible from international partners and local stakeholders.

Chakwera personally inspected the devastation and briefed parliament on the extent of the disaster.

The cyclone inflicted incalculable human suffering, causing physical injuries and psychological trauma, according to Chakwera.

The loss of life, injuries sustained, and missing loved ones caused immense anguish for the survivors.