23-006-RO Alert Note Cyclone Freddy in Malawi

Aids Fondet has submitted an alert note due to the cyclone Freddy that has hit Malawi.

The tropical cyclone Freddy hit Mozambique on 11 March 2023 and moved inland towards southern Malawi, where it reached on 12 March. As of 14 March, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) reported that Freddy had its centre over Nsanje, southern region of Malawi, where it continued to cause torrential rains and strong winds. It is estimated that rainfall over southern Malawi could reach 400mm to 500mm within just 72 hours.

According to UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Freddy is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere and could be the longest-lasting tropical cyclone. The cyclone has caused massive rainfall leading to landslides and floodings. In addition, the extreme wind has broken large trees, destroyed roads and buildings and large construction pieces are flying around, which makes it very dangerous for people to move. In Malawi, the President has declared a State of Disaster in the southern region, including Blantyre and Zomba districts, where AIDS-Fondet’s partners have offices and are implementing activities.

According to the latest report from United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on 14 March, Malawi has been most severely affected by the cyclone. Until now, 111 people have lost their lives and at least 16 are reportedly missing following heavy rains and strong winds. Over half of the people died due to mudslides in Blantyre district. Approximately 19,000 people (4,000 households) have been displaced in the hardest to reach districts. Unfortunately, the numbers are expected to increase as the storm is still ravaging and NGOs do not have a full picture of the damage, especially in remote areas where access is impossible, and telephone lines are not functioning.

The cyclone hits Malawi as the country is slowly recovering from the deadliest cholera outbreak in its history, which killed over 1,600 people last year. The threat of a resurgence of cholera remains a major concern as the last outbreak was spurred by the tropical storm Ana. Infections are common in flooded areas with inadequate sewage treatment and drinking water, whereby cholera can spread rapidly through contaminated water. In addition, national health facilities are already overburdened and still recovering from the impact of COVID-19. Lastly, the cyclone hits Malawi during the lean season, a period between planting and harvesting, when job opportunities are scares and income low. Food stocks dwindle and poor families regularly skip meals. As the floods are destroying farmland and crops, according to WMO, the cyclone will create additional life[1]threatening challenges to communities who are already living in poverty without stable income, healthy nutrition, and access to clean water.