BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-About 507 have been killing while displacing 553,614 people with 1, 332 injuries due to effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy that hit hard Malawi’s southern and eastern regions’ districts since March 10, 2023.
This is according to Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)’s preliminary reports received from 15 affected councils including Balaka, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Zomba City and Zomba District.
“As of today, March 21, 2023, the number of displaced people is at 553,614 with 543 camps set to accommodate the displaced. The death toll has risen from 499 to 507 with 1,332 injuries. The number of reported missing persons is at 537 from 427.
“The Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the United Kingdom search and rescue/recovery teams continue their operations,” reads DoDMA statement.
It adds, “In Chilobwe, Blantyre District, the MDF and the MPS have recovered 50 bodies since they started search and recovery operations on 14th March. The MDF is also airlifting relief items, medical supplies, and personnel to places not accessible by road. The helicopters dispatched by the governments of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Zambia continue airlifting relief assistance to areas that are inaccessible by road and water.
“The helicopters are also airlifting people in need of medical attention from affected districts to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). The national inter-agency assessment team, which has been supporting affected councils with assessments to establish the total number of affected people and their immediate needs, will finalise their mission on Friday, 24th March, 2023”.
DoDMA discloses that the data will inform the finalisation of the response plan, which the department and partners have been developing.
The department says will be updating the general public on provision of assistance, usage and any related development.
Following the declaration of a state of disaster by President Lazarus Chakwera, foreign missions, governments, local and international organizations, companies, and individuals of goodwill continue providing various support towards TCF response operations.
