The death toll from tropical storm Freddy is likely to exceed 1,000 in Malawi. This has been reported by the national disaster management authority to the German press agency DPA. “Seven days have passed. The chance of finding people trapped in the mud alive has become slim,” says senior official Charles Kalemba.
Authorities confirmed 499 deaths so far. In addition, 349 people are currently still missing and 1,300 seriously injured are in hospital. About half a million people have fled the heavy rains, floods and landslides. Furthermore, at least 530 people are sheltering in emergency camps, says Kalemba.
Last week, the cyclone left a trail of destruction in Southeast Africa for the second time this month. Fatalities were also reported in neighboring Mozambique and on the island of Madagascar. On February 21, Freddy came ashore in Madagascar for the first time. From there, the storm moved on to Mozambique and then back across the Indian Ocean. On March 11, the cyclone again reached Madagascar and headed towards Malawi.
The storm, which has been raging for more than a month, is likely the longest-lasting cyclone since weather records began, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Freddy was declared a cyclone on February 6. Southern Africa is going through a cyclone season. That can bring rain and severe storms from March to April.
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