Death toll are continuously rising in Malawi, a landlocked country in south-eastern part of Africa following a deadly cyclone and flush flood. Over 300 people have been confirmed dead as hundreds are still missing with over 700 having severe injuries.
Rescue workers have warned that the number may continue increasing as health teams need assistance. Arial photos of people were seen on top of roofs waiting to be rescued with half of those buildings halfway submerged in flood.
Several public figures have sent their condolence to Lazarus Chakwera the Malawian President.
Robert Kyagulanyi wrote “I express my deepest sympathies to the people of Malawi and the rest of South Africa upon the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy… my heart goes to you our brothers and sisters who have lost love ones, homes and livelihoods a a result of this natural disaster… we stand with you in solidarity…”
In his weekly brief Pope Francis expresses his “closeness” to the people of Malawi who have been hit by a tropical cyclone that ripped through the country, triggering landslides, and eventually leaving over 300 lifeless. His prayer come as rescue scrambled during the week to reach survivors and save lives in the Malawian city of Blantyre.
The merciless storm hit Malawi for the second time February after its ignition from Australian coast before cutting across Indian Ocean into Malawi.
The government’s disaster management agency earlier on had said that 41 people were still missing, and more than 700 had been injured as the storm tore through Blantyre.
“My best friend, her brother, sister and mother went with the mudslide and their bodies have not been found. It’s devastating. You can’t even mourn,” 19-year-old Blantyre resident Fadila Njolomole denoted to media.
President Chakwera was seen on boots and a raincoat attending the funeral service of 21 victims at a primary school in the city.
“I appeal for more assistance from international partners and donors. This is a national tragedy that has affected every one of us,” he said, he further declared 14 days of national mourning.
Malawi is a landlock country in Southern Africa known for its amazing topography and highlands that splits into the Great Rift Valley with a population of 19 million.
