At least 99 people have been killed in the East African country Malawi as the strong Cyclone Freddy hits. Many others were injured. A 'state of emergency' has been declared in various provinces due to this incident.
According to a CNN story, Charles Kalemba, the country's disaster management commissioner, provided this information. Cyclone Freddie struck for the second time in less than a month.
The country's commercial hub, Blantyre, was reportedly struck by Cyclone Freddie on Monday in the southern area of Malabi. The majority of the deceased were residents of this city.
Charles Kalemba told CNN that we have recorded 99 deaths in about 7 councils. Among these, 85 people died in Blantyre and 134 were hospitalized. He worries that the number of casualties may increase.
The country's disaster management commissioner stated that the rain had made it more difficult to conduct rescue work and added, "We are facing great difficulties due to landslides, flash floods, and rocks falling from the mountains." Because of the bad weather, many rescue operations are not possible in many places.
According to a government press release, Lazarus Chakwera, the president of this country, expressed deep concern about Cyclone Freddie's destruction in Malawi's southern region. Furthermore, the country's government has declared a "disaster situation" in the southern region.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education of the country informed on Sunday that schools will be closed till Wednesday in the 10 most affected districts by Cyclone Freddy.