Status: 03/14/2023 09:18 a.m
Tropical Storm Freddy has killed more than 100 people in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique. The transmission of information works only to a limited extent, many people are missing.
According to official figures, more than 100 people died in Southeast Africa as a result of cyclone “Freddy”. At least 99 people have died in Malawi, officials said. There were also several fatalities in the island nation of Madagascar and Mozambique. The numbers could be much higher as the transmission of information is currently severely restricted due to damage to the infrastructure. According to the authorities, many people are still missing. A state of emergency has been declared for southern Malawi.
At least 99 people die after tropical cyclone hits Southeast Africa
Tagesschau 5:30 a.m., 14.3.2023
According to the UN, more than half a million people are dependent on aid in Madagascar and Mozambique alone. The Mozambican port city of Quelimane, for example, is still largely cut off from the outside world: roads are blocked and the water and electricity supply are partially impaired, said Guy Taylor, a local spokesman for the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF, the AFP news agency.
According to the forecasts, “Freddy” is likely to head out to sea again during the week and weaken as it does so. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the tropical cyclone could be one of the most persistent on record.
Torrents and mud have also devastated the town of Blantyre, Malawi.
Image: AP
Tropical storm formed off Australia
More than a month ago, on February 6th, the tropical storm formed off the northwest coast of Australia and was declared a cyclone. After crossing the entire southern Indian Ocean, “Freddy” made landfall in Madagascar on February 21 and Mozambique on February 24, causing severe devastation.
In a rare loop, it then returned to Madagascar last week with even greater power and more rain, before reaching Mozambique again on Saturday evening and finally Malawi early Monday.
Southern Africa is currently in cyclone season which can bring rain and severe storms through March or April. The term cyclone is one of several names for tropical cyclones. It is used for the Indian Ocean and the South Seas and means in Greek origin – “kyklos” – ring or circle.