More than 1,000 dead after tropical storm in Malawi – photos show devastating damage

Tropical Storm Freddy has wreaked havoc in the East African country of Malawi. According to the national civil protection authority, more than 1,000 people were said to have died in the heavy rains.

“Seven days have passed and the chances of finding the people alive in the mud are slim,” said Charles Kalemba, senior civil defense officer, of the German news agency on Tuesday.

The authority has confirmed 499 deaths so far, 349 people are still missing. In addition, 1,300 seriously injured people were treated in hospitals. According to Kalemba, about half a million people have fled the heavy rains, floods and landslides and have taken shelter in 530 emergency camps.

The cyclone had left a trail of devastation in Southeast Africa for the second time in a month since last week. There were also deaths in neighboring Mozambique and in the island state of Madagascar.

“Freddy” first reached land on February 21 – in Madagascar. From there, the storm moved on to Mozambique and then back across the Indian Ocean. On March 11, “Freddy” reached Mozambique and Malawi for the second time.

The storm is likely the longest-lived cyclone since weather records began, according to the World Weather Organization (WMO). “Freddy” was declared a cyclone on February 6. Southern Africa is currently in cyclone season, which can bring rain and severe storms into March or April. (sda/dpa)