03/15/2023 21:43 (act. 03/15/2023 21:50)
Exceptionally long-lasting storm claims many victims ©APA
The extraordinarily long-lasting tropical storm “Freddy” has killed at least 300 people in three countries in southeastern Africa – Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar – according to officials. Hardest hit is impoverished Malawi, where state broadcaster MBC reported 225 deaths on Wednesday. According to official data, almost 800 people were injured as a result of heavy rains, floods and landslides; 37 others were reported missing.
At least 20,000 people were left homeless, according to the civil protection agency. The government declared a state of emergency for the hardest hit region, southern Malawi.
The cyclone wreaked havoc across southeast Africa for the second time in a month since late Friday night. At least 67 people have died in Mozambique, according to President Filipe Nyusi. The number could double because many affected areas are still not accessible, Nyusi said during an overflight on Wednesday. At least 17 people were also killed in the island nation of Madagascar.
“Freddy” landed for the first time on February 21 – in Madagascar. From there, the storm passed into Mozambique and then back into the Indian Ocean. On March 11, “Freddy” arrived in Mozambique and Malawi for the second time.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the storm, which lasts for more than a month, is likely to be the longest-lasting cyclone since meteorological records began. “Freddy” was declared a cyclone on February 6. Southern Africa is currently in cyclone season, which can bring rain and heavy storms well into March or April.