Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit the Malawi region of Africa’s mainland, killing around 400 since February. The storm first hit southern Africa in late February, causing minor damage in landlocked Malawi. Although, it devastated the Madagascar and Mozambique regions of the continent.

The storm then returned to the Indian Ocean, drawing strength from the warm waters there before making an unusual track change and striking the mainland again.

Freddy resulted in distruction

Malawi’s President, Lazarus Chakwera said, “As of yesterday, the death toll from this disaster has risen from 225 to 326; the number of people displaced has more than doubled to 183,159.” He highlighted that the cyclone has destroyed the southern region near Blantyre.

The President has asked for aid from all around the globe as the condition of the country is worsening. The public of the nation was seen using shovels and even their bare hands digging to look for people in the debris.

After the major hit of the cyclone, a mother of four children said that her sleep was disturbed in the middle of the night and the next thing she saw was muddy water, accompanied by rocks and trees, sliding down the mountain. All her belongings were gone in a matter of a few minutes, she added.

India Condoles

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences through a tweet. The tweet said,” Distressed by the devastation due to Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Condolences to President Lazarus Chakwera,  President Filipe Nyusi, President Andry Rajoelina, bereaved families, and those affected by the cyclone. India stands with you in this tough time.”

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The Increasing of Water-Borne Diseases

The rainfall has only come to a little halt after 5 continuous rainy days but the ‘Alert’ is still on. There are still chances of floods and landslides. The government is trying to help the public by sending them to relief camps. But the scarcity of food and clean water are standing strong as a hurdle, told Andrew Mavala, executive director of the Malawi Network for Older Persons.

Cholera and other water-borne sickness mortality are anticipated to increase in Malawi and Mozambique, where outbreaks were already present when Cyclone Freddy hit.