Malawi Red Cross Society to Implement Emergency Response for Cyclone Freddy-Affected Communities

NSANJE, Malawi - The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has announced plans to implement an emergency response to communities affected by the devastating Tropical Cyclone Freddy, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

The announcement was made by Nelia Kachilunda, MRCS District Coordinator for Nsanje, during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting.

Kachilunda revealed that the emergency response will be implemented in five districts, namely Nsanje, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Mulanje, and Phalombe.

A total of 59,918 families have been affected by the cyclone in these districts, with 32,416 households set to benefit from the project.

"The project is going to run from March to December 2023," Kachilunda stated during the meeting.

The MRCS has identified 4,500 households in the worst-hit areas of Senior Chiefs Malemia and Mlolo in Nsanje as the primary targets for humanitarian assistance, including livelihoods, health, shelter, and other essential areas.

Kachilunda also disclosed that the MRCS aims to raise K6 billion Kwacha (Malawian currency) for the implementation of the projects in the five impact districts.

However, so far, the organization has only raised K2.1 billion from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

The MRCS's emergency response comes as Malawi continues to grapple with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which has caused widespread devastation to communities and infrastructure in the affected districts.

The organization's efforts will provide much-needed relief to families and communities struggling to recover from the cyclone's impact.