Due to the effects of Cyclone Freddy, most parts of Southern Malawi were severely hit by heavy persistent rains and strong winds from 10th to 14th March 2023. When the cyclone made landfall, many houses were carried by flood water and buried by landslides (as it occurred at night).
According to the latest UNOCHA situation report (25th March 2023), Cyclone Freddy has significantly impacted livelihoods in Malawi, with over 194,500 livestock dead and nearly 91,000 injured, while over 204,800 hectares of land have been submerged or washed away (Source: UNOCHA Flash Update 9).
Cyclone Freddy has also damaged or destroyed 547 schools (484 primary and 63 secondary schools). In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, there are currently 563,771 people internally displaced residing in 577 camps. As of 24th March, 511 deaths were reported, at least 1,724 people are injured, while 533 people are still missing according to Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).
Following the Cyclone, the President of Malawi declared a State of Disaster in the most affected region (Southern Region).
In Mozambique, Cyclone Freddy made landfall first on 24th February 2023 in Inhambane Province and later in Zambezia Province, on 11th March 2023. Prior to Cyclone Freddy, most of Southern Mozambique was already affected by floods caused by heavy rains in the region. The most affected provinces are Zambezia (741,136 people), Sofala (139,553 people), and Inhambane (107,614 people). The number of deaths has risen to 173 people of whom, 157 people in Zambezia (OCHA Situation Report 30th March 2023).
ACT Malawi Forum’s two national members CARD and ELDS will respond in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, and Mulanje districts, while in Mozambique DKH through national members CEDES and CCM will respond in Zambezia Province, Sofala Province, Gaza Province, and Niassa Province through a regional appeal.
