Cyclone Freddy, a record-breaking storm in the southern hemisphere, has caused widespread devastation across southern Africa, claiming the lives of at least 190 people in Malawi.
The commercial hub of Blantyre has been particularly hard hit, with flooding and rain damaging vital infrastructure, including roads and bridges, and hampering relief efforts. In Mozambique.
The latest death toll in Malawi is a significant increase from the 99 reported on Monday, with 584 people injured and 37 still missing. Amid heavy rains and mudslides, aid agencies are struggling to reach those affected, and many families are grieving for their loved ones. Emergency specialist Estere Tsoka of the UN’s children’s agency UNICEF has described the situation as challenging, with many people trying to find shelter amidst hazardous conditions.
Malawi Declares A State of Disaster
The government has declared a state of disaster in 10 districts in southern Malawi, which have been hit the hardest by Cyclone Freddy. Rescue workers are struggling to cope with the scale of the disaster and are using shovels to dig for survivors buried in mud. Blantyre resident Aaron Ntambo described the challenges of rescuing a child who was stuck up to her head in the mud.
The situation is so severe that officials at the main referral hospital in the city are unable to handle the number of bodies they are receiving. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders has reported that more than 40 children died upon arrival at the hospital.
With the mortuary now full, officials are asking bereaved families to collect the bodies for burial. The disaster relief agency has reported that the death toll has increased to 190, with 584 people injured and 37 still missing.
Unreachable Areas in Mozambique
Cyclone Freddy has caused severe damage and flooding across central Mozambique, with many buildings losing their roofs and the port of Quelimane particularly hard hit. While the full extent of the damage and loss of life is still emerging, it’s believed that the overall death toll in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar since Freddy first hit in February has exceeded 220.
Alcidio Benjamim, a provincial manager for humanitarian organisation ForAfrika in Mozambique, reports that the provinces of Sofala and Zambezia were hit hard in the latest storm, with 22,000 people or 4,000 families seeking shelter in accommodation centres in Zambezia province alone.
However, many areas remain inaccessible due to the flooding, and there are concerns that Freddy could return to Zambezia province, bringing even more wind and rain. Aid agencies are working to provide assistance, but the challenging conditions are hampering relief efforts.
