Cyclone Freddy's Death Toll Rises After Hitting Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique

The powerful Cyclone Freddy that reemerged caused widespread damage and more than 400 casualties in Malawi, Madagascar and Mozambique due to rounds of heavy rain and flooding.

Cyclone Freddy became a long-lived cyclone after it managed to reemerge and sustained a damaging strength, impacting parts of Madagascar, Southern Malawi and Mozambique.

Recently, AccuWeather reported because destructive in parts of Malawi as the authorities announced a state of disaster due to the challenging weather conditions.

The long-lived cyclone caused widespread power outages and evacuations, adding that about 1.5 million people were affected due to Freddy's impact.

Before Freddy's devastating aftermath, weather forecasts noted that the storm managed to take an unusual track over the Indian Ocean.

Flooding concerns and more casualties

(Photo : by AMOS GUMULIRA/AFP via Getty Images)
Blantyre, southern Malawi, on March 17, 2023. The latest weather reports showed that Cyclone Freddy caused severe damage and over 400 casualties in Malawi, Madagascar and Mozambique.

In the latest count, BBC reported that over 400 were casualties after Freddy left devastating damage.

The report noted that Cyclone Freddy could become equivalent to Category 5 hurricane winds because of its sustained winds.

Previously, Associated Press (AP) reported that Freddy impacted parts of Madagascar, causing more than 16,000 people to become displaced in the western portion of Mananjary

AP reported four people casualties were recorded when Cyclone Freddy hit in February.

Recently, CNN and Aljazeera reports showed that Cyclone Freddy's aftermath resulted in more than 300 deaths in Malawi and Mozambique (Wednesday).

According to CNN, rescue operations and efforts were ongoing in parts of Malawi after Cyclone Freddy caused widespread flooding.

The situation became more difficult as Cyclone Freddy damaged bridges and roads in the affected region. Widespread power outages were also reported.

CNN reported that Radio Mozambique 22,000 were displaced in Mozambique.

On the other hand, Malawi also recorded about 225 deaths (As of Wednesday) as search operations continued.

Meanwhile, BBC reported that Cyclone Freddy reached about 36 days, making it a long-lived tropical system.

According to Aljazeera, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi called for 14 days of the morning for Cyclone Freddy's aftermath.

How communities prepare after Cyclone Freddy

The heavy impact of Cyclone Freddy in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique showed the long-lived cyclone with powerful winds and rain.

Before returning homes, communities must monitor the weather conditions, from landslides and floodwaters.

After Cyclone Freddy, floodwater would stay to subside. As a result, it is essential to return after the storm abates.

Also Read: Long-Lived, Destructive Cyclone Freddy: What You Should Know About

Here are essential reminders for communities and residents.

Check the weather conditions this week.

Before going back, communities should keep aware of the weather conditions this week. Monitoring the weather via battery-powered radio or other resources would be helpful.
It is best to wait until floodwaters abate or there are no flash flooding dangers.

Check your home for potential damage.

It is possible that Cyclone Freddy could leave heavy damage to the roof and your entire home.
It is crucial to repair for possible damages after the storm, it is still safe to stay.
Inform your family members that you are safe.

Report any missing family members.

Cyclone Freddy showed a devastating impact on communities in Malawi and Mozambique.
Homeowners should report to immediate authorities their missing family members.