Tropical Cyclone Freddy Leaves 225 Dead, Displaces Over 88,000 People in Malawi

Malawi-The death toll from Tropical Cyclone Freddy (TCF) has risen to 225, according to preliminary reports received by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

The reports also indicate that TCF-induced flooding, strong winds, and mudslides have displaced over 88,000 people, with 707 injured and 41 reported missing in 12 affected councils, including Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mulanje, Neno, Nsanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Zomba City, and Zomba District.

To accommodate the displaced people, 165 camps have been set up, and search and rescue operations are being led by the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, Department of Marine, Malawi Red Cross Society, and communities.

DoDMA, in collaboration with humanitarian partners and affected councils, says it is facilitating the provision of relief assistance to affected households and has mobilized a national interagency assessment team to support affected councils in assessing the total number of affected people and their immediate needs.

The department says it is also liaising with foreign missions, governments, and international organizations for support following the declaration of a state of disaster by President Lazarus Chakwera.

The department urges the public to take necessary precautions during the rainy season to minimize loss of life and property.

Relief items are readily available in strategic places for distribution to affected households, says DoDMA.