Cyclone Freddy kills 99 more in Malawi

By Phephile Motau

Cyclone Freddy has killed at least 99 people in Malawi, bringing the total deaths from the record-breaking storm to around 136.

According to France24, the cyclone left a trail of destruction and many people were left injured as it ripped through Mozambique and Malawi for the second time in a month.

It pummelled central Mozambique on Saturday, ripping roofs off buildings and bringing widespread flooding around the port of Quelimane, before moving inland towards Malawi with torrential rains that caused landslides.

Read More: Cyclone Freddy hits Mozambique again

It was reported that the full extent of the damage and loss of life in Mozambique in particular, is not yet clear, since the power supply and phone signals were cut off in some parts.

The Malawi Commissioner of the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalimba, reportedly told the media at a press conference that 99 people had been killed in Malawi, including 85 in the main commercial hub of Blantyre.

The total number killed by storm Freddy in Mozambique, Malawi and Madagascar since it first made landfall last month is now around 136. It was reported that by early Monday afternoon, the central hospital in Blantyre had received at least 60 bodies.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Country Director Marion Pechayre told the media that some 200 people had been injured and were being treated in the hospital.

Read More: Record-breaking Cyclone Freddy charges towards Mozambique again

The injuries were from falling trees, landslides and flash floods.

“A lot of (houses) are mud houses with tin roofs, so the roofs fall on people’s heads,” she said.

Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya told the media that rescue teams had been looking for people in Chilobwe and Ndirande, two of the worst affected townships in Blantyre, the country’s second-largest city, where it was still raining, and many residents were without power.

He said some of the people were feared buried in the rubble.