Death toll from Cyclone Freddy in Malawi nearly doubles to 190

The impact of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi has caused the death toll to rise to 190, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma). 

Peter Chimangeni, the Director responsible for recovery and resilience, reported that the majority of deaths, 158, occurred in Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial hub. 

Over 584 people have been injured, 37 are missing, and over 5000 have been displaced. The government has established 57 camps for those who have been displaced. 

Meanwhile, Lucy Mtilatila, the Director for Climate Change and Meteorological Services, has stated that the cyclone has weakened and will diminish by tomorrow. 

“Most of the models are showing that it is going to die down this time around. The chances of it intensifying are very slim as the conditions are not conducive,” she said.

Freddy first hit central Mozambique in Zambezia on 11 March before reaching Malawi on Sunday. 

Freddy is believed to be the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, having first made landfall in mid-February and causing damage in Madagascar, Mauritius, and Mozambique.