The number of victims rises to more than 520
Trope storm “Freddy” in three countries in south-eastern Africa – Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar — led to at least 522 deaths, according to authorities. Hardest hit is impoverished Malawi, where the death toll rose to 438, according to the Civil Protection Agency on Saturday.
On Thursday, Malawi authorities reported 326 deaths. Around 345,000 people in the country are affected by the heavy rainfall, floods and landslides. Tens of thousands have become homeless. The government has declared a state of emergency for the hardest hit region, southern Malawi.
The tropical storm brought in the south Malawi in six days as much rain as usual in six months and left a trail of devastation. More than 183,000 people were left homeless by floods and landslides, according to OCHA. More than 300 emergency shelters have been set up.
“Substantial support” needed
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera said during a visit to the disaster region that his government expects “the picture of destruction and death to get worse” as more areas become accessible.
World Food Program (WFP) local director Paul Turnbull said the country will need “considerable assistance”. Chakwera called for international help. The UN children’s fund Unicef warned that the ongoing cholera outbreak in Malawi could be exacerbated by the aftermath of the cyclone.
The cyclone had hit the Southeast for the second time in a month since last Friday Africa leave a trail of devastation. At least 67 people have died in Mozambique, according to President Filipe Nyusi. At least 17 people were also killed in the island nation of Madagascar.
According to the World Weather Organization (WMO), the storm, which has been raging for more than a month, is likely to be the longest-lasting cyclone since weather records began. “Freddy” was declared a cyclone on February 6. Southern Africa is currently in cyclone season which can bring rain and severe storms through March or April.
