225 dead in Malawi and search continues for survivors after Cyclone Freddy passes
The death toll from Cyclone Freddy rose Wednesday in Malawi to at least 225, according to a new toll, as rescuers continued operations to find survivors in the south of the country, the epicenter of the disaster.
Freddy struck South Africa at the end of February, killing 17 people, but in an unusual event, he returned to hit the same place in early March.
With less intense winds but heavy rains, Cyclone Freddy caused heavy flooding and landslides in Malawi, where a state of disaster was declared.
Police and army were deployed.
"The death toll has risen from 190 to 225 with 707 people injured and 41 missing," the disaster management department said in a statement.
More than 88300,165 people in this country, one of the poorest in the world, are now homeless. Schools and churches have been turned into shelters for the afflicted. <> shelters were opened.
Malawi Red Cross spokesman Felix Washon told AFP: "Flooding is the biggest problem. The scale of the destruction is immense."
"Reaching trapped people is a challenge because bridges are destroyed and water levels are rising." Rescuers found survivors on trees and rooftops.
Some 12 healthcare institutions were destroyed, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.
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- #ملاوي,
- #إعصار,
- #فريدي