Cyclone ‘Freddy’ has left 326 people dead in its path through Malawi, new data from the country’s Department of Natural Disasters show, in addition to more than 80,000 people affected.
According to data from the Government of Malawi, reported by Nyasa Times, 88,313 people have been displaced and at least 707 have been injured as a result of the cyclone, which the country’s authorities report has already passed over, although they expect the death toll to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The United Nations is also keeping an eye on the country, the resident coordinator, Rebecca Adda Dontoh, has appealed for help from the international community during her visit to the areas affected by the rains and floods.
The UN Secretary General’s spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, reiterated that they are currently working in 165 camps for displaced people, and in addition to collaborating in the rescue efforts – he said he has information of close to 200 people rescued with the help of his organization – they are sending assistance materials to the most affected areas, such as food, tents, blankets, water, sanitary and hygiene products.
On Thursday, the President of the country, Lazarus Chakwera, declared fourteen days of national mourning for the dead, the Secretary of the Presidency, Colleen Zamba, indicated that the mourning will be extended from this Thursday until March 29 «to honor the lives lost due to the cyclone».
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
