The storm – which has been raging since February 6 – made landfall on the African continent for the second time over the weekend, battered Malawi repeatedly on Monday, and caused widespread damage and loss of life in 10 districts with strong winds and torrential rain.
Weather Obstruction Attempts
“We are mobilizing additional teams, but bad weather is hampering rescue efforts.” Said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric speaking in New York on Wednesday.
At least 178 people have been rescued over the past two days, including with the help of World Food Program boats, he said.wfp,
extend support
Malawi is currently in the grip of a cholera outbreak – the worst in two decades – and the health sector is already overwhelmed.
The storm has caused “an unprecedented crisis”, said Rebecca Adda-Dontoh, the UN Resident Coordinator in the country. Said on Tuesday.
“The United Nations commends the Government of Malawi for leading the preparedness and response measures and calls on partners speed up the effort To assist the people in the districts most affected by the cyclone,” she said in a statement.
reaching out to affected communities
Pending a multi-sectoral assessment, the UN is rapidly mobilizing support to meet the immediate needs.
This includes technical and financial assistance to set up an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) which has been critical in strengthening humanitarian coordination between authorities, aid organizations and development partners.
Several UN agencies have deployed staff to affected areas to support the coordination of response and assessment efforts in the areas of information management and logistics.
support and solidarity
The UN is providing critical logistical support, including transportation for search and rescue operations, and humanitarian workers, equipment and supplies to communities that have been cut off by floods and landslides.
Medical supplies and equipment are being distributed to improve water and sanitation infrastructure to meet immediate health needs, including preventing the further spread of cholera.
UN agencies are also distributing food, shelter materials, tents, dignity kits and other items to the displaced.
Cyclone Freddy made landfall in Mozambique for the second time, bringing more heavy rain, strong winds and widespread flooding.
potentially historic storm
Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which originally formed over northern Australia, has cut a deadly and destructive path across southern Africa, hitting Madagascar and Mozambique on two separate occasions.
World Meteorological Office (wmo) recently warned that it was on its way to becoming the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record.
concern for mozambique
The United Nations is concerned about heavy rains and flooding in Mozambique, which is also battling a cholera outbreak.
Mr. Dujarric pointed out that in Zambezia province, large swathes of land are under water, and roads are impassable, making it difficult for aid workers to assess.
“Nevertheless, our humanitarian partners have sent enough medical kit for 150,000 people for three months, as well as cholera tests, and tents and fuel to support the hospital in Quelimane,” he said. “In Inhambane province, our partners distributed hygiene kits and food.”
He said the full extent of the impact would only be known in the coming days, however, noting that investments in early warning and early action had resulted in fewer deaths.