Deaths hit 225 from Cyclone Freddy as Malawi’s president appeals for aid

By Moses Michael Phiri

BLANTYRE, Malawi (AA) - The death toll in Malawi rose to 225 on Wednesday from Cyclone Freddy, as the nation's president appealed for aid.

President Lazarus Chakwera appealed for help after more than 90,000 people were displaced in five southern districts following the storm.

"My government has made available some relief funds and resources to help those affected but it’s not adequate. So, we need more help," Chakwera said while vising victims at a make-shift camp at the Manja Primary School in the commercial hub of Blantyre.

Chakwera, who is set to address the nation later Wednesday, told victims and aid agencies that he was deeply touched by the loss of life and property.

"We will do all we can to help you get through this tragedy," he said.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs Commissioner Charles Kalemba said 707 people have been injured and 41 are missing.

Flooding, strong winds and mudslides have wreaked havoc with 165 camps set to accommodate victims.

Cyclone Freddy struck southern Malawi on March 11, destroying homes and causing widespread flooding.

The storm brought down telephone lines and power cables, leading to communication outages and three days of a national power blackout.

Freddy is arguably the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, having first made landfall in February before afflicting Madagascar, Mauritius and Mozambique.