Tropical Storm Freddy has killed at least 522 people in three countries in southeast Africa – Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar, according to authorities. Hardest hit is impoverished Malawi, where the death toll rose to 438, according to the Civil Protection Agency. On Thursday, Malawi authorities reported 326 deaths.
Around 345,000 people in the country are affected by the heavy rainfall, floods and landslides. Tens of thousands have become homeless. The government has declared a state of emergency for the hardest hit region, southern Malawi.
The cyclone left a trail of devastation in south-east Africa for the second time in a month since last Friday. At least 67 people have died in Mozambique, according to President Filipe Nyusi. At least 17 people were also killed in the island nation of Madagascar.
“Freddy” hits land for the first time on February 21st
“Freddy” reached land for the first time on February 21 – in Madagascar. From there the storm moved on to Mozambique and then back across the Indian Ocean. On March 11, “Freddy” reached Mozambique and Malawi for the second time.
According to the World Weather Organization (WMO), the storm, which has been raging for more than a month, is likely to be the longest-lasting cyclone since weather records began. “Freddy” was declared a cyclone on February 6. Southern Africa is currently in cyclone season which can bring rain and severe storms through March or April.
