UPDATE - Death toll at 111from Cyclone Freddy in Malawi

By Moses Michael Phiri

BLANTYRE, Malawi (AA) - President Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster Tuesday in several southern districts in Malawi after Cyclone Freddy claimed more than 100 lives.

"I have noted with grave concern the devastation that Cyclone Freddy is currently bringing to most districts ... and declared a state of disaster in the Southern Region," Chakwera said in a statement.

A commissioner at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba, said the death toll reached 111 as of late Tuesday.

"At least 111 people have died in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Mulanje, and Blantyre districts. Blantyre has reported the highest number at 98," he told Anadolu.

Kalemba said public infrastructure such as schools, health facilities and roads have been severely damaged in five districts.

“Government and partners are providing relief assistance to the affected districts," he said.

Relief agencies are strained as hundreds of survivors are living on donations for basic needs such as food and clothing from well-wishers.

Tropical Storm Freddy hit Mozambique on Saturday, ripping off rooftops and causing destruction before moving to Malawi, where it brought heavy rain leading to mudslides. Schools have been suspended in the East African nation that is also grappling with its worst cholera outbreak.

At least 136 deaths have been recorded since the storm landed in February, causing causalities in Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi.