As of 15th March 2023, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) reported that Cyclone Freddy, which reduced into a Low-Pressure Area, has completely dispersed, and the country will now start experiencing normal rainy season climate conditions.

The Malawi government declared a state of emergency as nearly a million people in 20 districts were affected by the floods and torrential rains that started earlier this month. Livelihoods, Crops and homes have been destroyed by effects of Cyclone Freddy.

The high winds and heavy rains caused widespread flooding and mud slides which resulted in at least 300 deaths and damage to infrastructure.

Over 40,631 households have been displaced translating to an estimated number of 183,159 people currently sheltering in schools, churches, and camps after their homes collapsed. Many farmers have lost their livestock which they had relied on to earn a sustainable income. The southern districts of in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe, Mulanje, Blantyre, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Blantyre City, Mangochi, Machinga, and Balaka were the hardest hit leading to establishment of 317 camps.

Most of the affected districts are still receiving light to moderate rains, which will continue to the afternoon of Thursday, 16th March, 2023. However, water level in most of the big rivers in the affected districts are still high but expected to go down by 20th March, 2023. Most of the areas across the affected districts remain inaccessible, making it difficult for the councils to conduct rapid assessments to establish the total number of people affected by the Cyclone. The only available data is on displaced people currently living in camps.

Seed Sowers Trust has been providing emergency relief and long-term sustainable solutions in Malawi for almost a 30 years.

However, we are reliant on your generous and kind donations to adequately respond to the emergency.

Now is the time! Your donation can provide life-saving supplies to a family in need today.

Please Donate NOW to help the Cyclone Freddy Victims!