Chakwera Visits Blantyre City Cyclone Freddy Victims

President Lazarus Chakwera is visiting survivors and leading the nation in mourning of 225 people who have lost their lives in the southern region so far at Naotcha in Chilobwe Township in the Blantyre City following heavy rains caused by Cyclone Freddy.

Straight from his arrival from Qatar, president Chakwera travelled to Blantyre to appreciate for himself the state of disaster the Cyclone Freddy has caused in some parts of the country’s Southern Region.

In his remarks, the visibly grief stricken Malawi leader called for unity and the spirit of giving whenever disasters have stricken while also calling the authorities to ensure that all those who are missing should be found.

“Let the authorities make sure that all those who are still missing be found,” Chakwera said.

Speaking earlier Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi appealed to Malawians to make use of metrological reports if lives have to be saved.

“As humans we cannot start blaming one another as to how lives are lost, Malawians we are mourning regardless of political or spiritual beliefs,” Usi said.

Minister of Defence, Harry Mkandawire said one of the MDF recovery operations boats capsized leaving two military officers missing.

Mkandawire further revealed that his ministry has requested for assistance of air transport from the Zambian government.

Meanwhile, the MDF rapid response helicopters are reported parked at Chileka Airport waiting for the weather condition to change and enable possible recovery efforts.

In an interview Finance Minister, Sosten Gwengwe said K1.6 billion has been allocated to DODMA search and rescue response to 165 camps across the country then government will look into the roads and other affected infrastructure development.

“Roads have been hugely affected as the economy continues meeting shocks, Malawi mainly here in the South Region is really in state of disaster, we are already in talks with the World Bank,” Gwengwe said.

Senior Chief Kapeni appealed for the enforcement of the country’s legal provision to evict all those living in restricted areas like the Soche Hill.

Currently, 225 dead bodies have been recovered while a total of 90 000 people have been displaced of whom 40 in camps are expectant women and they are in dire need of urgent relief assistance.