March 17, 2023
location_onMalawi, Mozambique
Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs has allegedly told CNN that “at least 326 people” have been killed by Cyclone Freddy.
Dr. Lazarus Chakwera visited Mulanje and Chiradzulu yesterday to assess the damages from Cyclone Freddy. He also announced plans to restore the Muloza border crossing to revive economic activity between Malawi and Mozambique, stating his will to “build back stronger & better.”
According to Malawi state-run MBC News, District Commissioner for Mulanje Jack Ngulube announced that the area “has over 75 evacuation camps and has recorded over 8,000 displaced people, 41 injuries, and 91 deaths.” It also notes that some camps still await assistance as they remain inaccessible by road.
The World Meteorological Organization has appointed an expert committee to evaluate whether the storm has broken the record for the longest-lasting tropical cyclone, having lasted over five weeks and traveled more than 5000 miles. The cyclone dissipated on March 15th.
According to Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science – Tropical Meteorology Project, the storm’s Accumulated Cyclone Energy index hit 84.7 (almost double the second-highest figure over the past two years), with max wind speeds of up to 140 knots.
