Jakarta –
Victim Typhoon Freddy in the South Malawi increase. At this time, heavy rains occurred which triggered flood.
Commissioner for the Department of Disaster Management Charles Kalemba said the death toll had risen. Previously 70 people, now it’s 100 people.
“The death toll, including in other affected districts in the south, has risen to 99… but we expect the number to increase,” Charles said.
Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) said the impact of the two storms’ landfall on the country was worse than expected. The number of victims was even above estimates.
“The number of people affected is above estimates,” said INGD chief Luisa Meque, adding the storm was also hitting areas “considered safe”.
Freddy was a major hurricane that hurtled through southern Africa. The typhoon returned after briefly crashing at the end of February 2023.
Meanwhile, Malawi Regional Police Spokesperson Beatrice Mikuwa said the city of Blantyre was the worst hit. He reported that 36 bodies were found in Chilobwe township.
“Rescue efforts are still underway but hampered by the continuing rains,” Mikuwa said.
Malawi’s government ordered schools in ten southern districts closed until Wednesday (15/3), with rain and wind expected to continue in the south of the country.
(eva/eva)
