The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), in the office of the President and Cabinet, would like to update the general public on preliminary reports on effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy (TCF).

The reports have come from 16 affected councils, namely; Balaka, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje, Ntcheu, Phalombe, Thyolo, Zomba City and Zomba District.

As of today, 25th March 2023, the number of displaced people has risen from 563,771 to 564,239 with 577 camps set to accommodate the displaced. The death toll remains at 511, with 1,724 registered injuries. The number of reported missing persons is still at 533.

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Malawi Police Service (MPS) search and recovery teams continue their operations.

The MDF is also airlifting relief items, medical supplies, and personnel to places not accessible by road. The helicopters dispatched by the governments of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Zambia continue airlifting relief and medical supplies to areas that are inaccessible by road and water.

As indicated by clusters (sector working groups), the affected people require various relief items, as shown in the table below.

SHELTER

Tarpaulin (4 x 6 m), Family tents/big tents, Plastic Sheet (120 microns), Blankets and Sleeping mats.

PROTECTION

Clothes, Lighting lamps and Dignity Kits.

HEALTH

Mosquito nets and Mobile clinic services

NON-FOOD ITEMS

Plates, Cups and Pots

WASH

Mobile toilets, Water treatment chemicals, Soap and Buckets.

FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION

Maize/ Maize Flour

Corn Soya Blend, Ready to use therapeutic food, Cooking Oil, Pulses (beans, peas etc.), Soya Pieces, Dry Fish/ kapenta, Sugar and Salt