UPDATE - Cyclone Freddy makes 2nd landfall in Mozambique, hundreds displaced

UPDATES WITH CASUALTIES IN MALAWI; EDITS THROUGH

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) - Hundreds of people have been displaced as Cyclone Freddy hammered Mozambique late Saturday for a second time in one month, with at least 63 fatalities in Blantyre, the second-largest city of Malawi, following huge mudslides Sunday night.

One person was reported dead, bringing the total number of fatalities to 28 in Mozambique, while a total of 27 people were killed in the first landfall in Mozambique and Madagascar.

According to the UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), at least half a million people are at risk of being affected in Mozambique with 171,000 known to have been displaced.

“We have seen houses, hospitals, schools getting damaged by falling trees, strong winds and people are now in a very difficult situation at the moment. There are efforts on the way as UNICEF has partnered with other UN partners and government to ensure that there is continuity in giving support to these people, especially in the homes and evacuation centers which were opened,” Guy Tailor, UNICEF spokesperson said in a statement.

Tailor noted that floods are posing a potential health disaster, adding: “What we are concerned about is the ongoing rainfall, most parts of this region are flooded, especially the countryside. That poses a greater risk of an outbreak of water-borne diseases like cholera.”

In Mozambique, there were power cuts in Milange, Lugela, Maganja da Costa, Namanjavira, and parts of the city of Mocuba in the central party of the country.

There are fears the cyclone may not slow down soon as it is expected to return to the coast while gaining strength.

- Casualties in Malawi

After passing the port town of Quelimane, Mozambique, the storm continued inland towards the southern tip of neighboring Malawi and by Sunday afternoon, serious floods and heavy winds were reported in the Mulanje district and heavy rains and flooding also resulted in blown-off roofs, power outages, as well as flooding in Blantyre.

The mudslides occurred when Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit the mountainous city as it swirled further inland from Mozambique.

Malawi Police Service from Blantyre said searches are still ongoing, and that there is a possibility more people still missing might be found dead.

“Reference is made to the Tropical Cyclone Freddy being experienced in Blantyre and surrounding areas that death toll has now reached 63,” Malawi Police Service official Superintendent Linzie said in a statement.

Chilobwe township has recorded the highest number of victims standing at 36 although other areas like Ndiramde, Manase, Chileka, Machinjiri, and Chigumbura.

Meanwhile, the district council with support from partners has set up an evacuation camp at Naotcha Primary School.

Alex Mdooko, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development's district commissioner, said arrangements are underway to provide coffins and assistance for the bereaved families.

Owing to Tropical Cyclone Freddy’s second landfall that hit Malawi on Sunday, schools have also been suspended.

Several roads have been damaged, there are floods in every low-lying area, and most parts of the city do not have electricity.

Freddy is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere and could be the longest-lasting storm, according to the World Meteorological Organization.