CYCLONE FREDDY IN MALAWI

Cyclone Freddy has devastated the southern region of Malawi with heavy rains and strong winds. Nearly 200 people are now confirmed dead by 14^th March. Heavy rains have been continuously falling from the evening hours of 11^th to 14^th March. Reports started coming already the same night of 11^th March of the damages being caused. There has been extensive damage to infrastructures and homes, electricity and communications are still down in many affected areas.

The districts that have been affected include Blantyre, Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Mwanza, Neno and Zomba. In Chilombwe, Blantyre, houses have been washed away. The same also in Ntauchila village in Nguludi, Chiradzulu, where the whole village has been washed away leaving only one house standing. Most of those affected in Nguludi area are seeking refuge at the classrooms of Montfort Demonstration Primary School. In Mulanje, Mendulo Parish, the church has collapsed. Churches and schools have opened their doors to keep those who have been left homeless with the floods occurring due to Cyclone Freddy.