Cyclone Freddy: Malawi President Appeals For More Assistance As Death Toll Exceeds 500

Cyclone Freddy: Malawi President Appeals For More Assistance As Death Toll Exceeds 500

The president of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera has appealed to the international community for more support for his country as Cyclone Freddy has killed over 500 citizens with thousands displaced.

President Chakwera who made the appeal while presenting the impact of the disaster to the Malawi parliament said though the international community has come to the aid of the citizens, more is still needed.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

“So many have responded positively to our appeal, and I have personally committed to acknowledge every support, for the situation is so grave that we simply cannot take any contribution for granted,” he told lawmakers.

“However, the supplies we are deploying are far from enough for the magnitude of the need.”

Cyclone Freddy which caused havoc in the island of Madagascar and Mozambique has destroyed thousands of properties and taken over 500 lives in Malawi.

Malawi’s Disaster Management Affairs Department says there are more than 500,000 people who have been displaced living at 534 camps.

The United Nations alongside the United Kingdom, Zambia, Tanzania, and Norway have provided aid to Malawi to support the Southern African country.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, President Chakwera said: “Climate change is real, and what we are having to see is devastation.”

“Thirteen months, three devastating cyclones. We are trying to do the best we can to pull ourselves by [our] bootstraps.”

READ ALSO: Cyclone Freddy: Death Toll In Madagascar Rises To 7 As Wind Moves To Batter Mozambique

President Chakwera declared 14 days of mourning in the country and asked all lawmakers to put aside their political differences and work together for the country.

“This is one of the darkest hours in the history of our nation,” he said. “And if we are to emerge in this dark hour and see the joy of a new dawn in the future, we must all roll up our sleeves and get to work. If we are going to see the light of a new dawn again, we must take the necessary steps now for safeguarding a brighter tomorrow for Malawians.”

John Adoyi, PBA Journalism Mentee
+ posts
Ramadan 2023: Complete Guide For This Season
Previous Story

Ramadan 2023: Complete Guide For This Season

TikTok Star, Jehane Thomas Dies At 30
Next Story

TikTok Star, Jehane Thomas Dies At 30

Featured Stories

Latest from Africa

Dozens of Ghanaians Killed Fighting in Ukraine War

Dozens of Ghanaians have been killed while fighting in the war in Ukraine, with two others currently held as prisoners of war, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said. Speaking during a visit to Kyiv, Ablakwa said around 272 Ghanaians were

DR Congo Strikes M23 Rebels in Key Mining Areas

Government forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have launched drone strikes against M23 rebels in the country’s east, targeting areas around a strategic mining site, according to security and local sources. Fighting on Wednesday was concentrated near the town of

Cape Town Airport  Fire Disrupts International Flights

A fire at Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday caused major disruption to flight operations, forcing the temporary suspension of international departures and the diversion of inbound flights. The blaze, which broke out near the international terminal in the morning, led to

Sierra Leone Honours Nigerian Military Officers for Peace Efforts

The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has awarded national honours to two senior Nigerian military officers in recognition of their contributions to peace and regional stability. The awards were presented during the 17th Armed Forces Day celebration of the Republic
Ramadan 2023: Complete Guide For This Season
Previous Story

Ramadan 2023: Complete Guide For This Season

TikTok Star, Jehane Thomas Dies At 30
Next Story

TikTok Star, Jehane Thomas Dies At 30

Don't Miss

Ugandan School: Suspected Rebel Attack Kills 25

Ebola: Uganda Introduces 21-day Lockdown To Curtail Spread

The government of Uganda has introduced a 21-day lockdown in
Eid-el-Kabir: APC Celebrates With Muslims, Seeks Support For Tinubu's Administration 

Eid-el-Kabir: APC Celebrates With Muslims, Seeks Support For Tinubu’s Administration 

The All Progressives Congress  (APC) says it celebrates with Muslim