BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Tropical Cyclone Freddy has killed about 476, injuring 918 while displacing 490,098 in the southern region districts as of March 19, 2023.
This is according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)’s fresh preliminary reports from councils, on damages caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy (TCF).
DoDMA has received rapid assessment reports from 14 affected councils namely; Balaka, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Neno, Nsanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Zomba City
and Zomba District.
“As of Sunday, 19th March 2023, the number of the displaced people is now at 490,098 with 533 camps set to accommodate the displaced. The death toll has risen from 447 to 476; with 918 injuries. The number of reported missing persons is at 349 from 282.
“The Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the United Kingdom search and rescue teams continue their operations,” reads part of the DoDMA statement.
Its adds, “The MDF is also airlifting relief items, medical supplies and personnel to places not accessible by road. The two helicopters dispatched by the United Republic of Tanzania, have started airlifting relief assistance to areas that are inaccessible by road and water.
“On Sunday, 19th March, the helicopters, airlifted relief items to camps in Chikwawa District. The national interagency assessment team is on the ground supporting affected councils with assessments to establish the total number of affected people and their immediate needs”.
“Following the declaration of state of disaster by His Excellency the President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera; foreign missions, governments, local and international organizations, companies and individuals of goodwill continue providing various support towards TCF response operations,” DoDMA reads further.
The department will be regularly updating the general public on provision of The department will be regularly updating the general public on provision of assistance, usage and any related development.
