Powerful cyclone Freddy kills more than 100 people in the African countries of Malawi and Mozambique

Freddy, a cyclone that formed off the coast of northwestern Australia in the first week of February, could become the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), an agency of the United Nations.

He Cyclone Freddy, following an unusual loop, killed more than 100 people in Mozambique and Malawi, where it was declared a state of disaster. authorities said Monday.

At least 99 people have died in Malawi, one of Africa’s poorest countries, the disaster agency said.

The previous balance sheet provided by authorities and the Red Cross reported at least 66 deaths in that country and four in Mozambique. The numbers can still increase.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency in several regions of southern Malawi, including in the economic capital of Blantyre, the presidency announced.

The head of state Lazarus Chakwera “took note with great concern of the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy in many districts (…) and declared a state of catastrophe” in the south, he said in a statement.

It traversed the entire southern Indian Ocean and hit Madagascar on February 21 before reaching Mozambique on February 24. At that time, 17 people were killed and thousands displaced.

Dozens missing

Following an unusual loop, the cyclone made landfall in Madagascar again last week and returned to Mozambique on Saturday.

At least four people have been killed in Zambezia province (center), local authorities told AFP.

But it is likely that the balance will increase as the information comes in little by little due to the damage caused by the heavy rains and strong winds in the telecommunication network.

Mozambique’s National Disaster Management Institute (INGD) said the effects of this second storm were worse than expected.

“The number of people affected exceeded forecasts,” said INGD director Luisa Meque, adding that the storm also hit areas “considered safe”.

Many people are missing, authorities warned.

The port city of Quelimane (center), about 40 km from where the cyclone made landfall, is still cut off from the rest of the country.

In some areas there are no roads, water or electricity, Guy Taylor, spokesperson for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said by telephone.

The cyclone reached Malawi early Monday morning. Most of the bodies were found in the Blantyre area, according to local police.

“Rescue operations are still underway, but they are hampered by incessant rains,” Beatrice Mikuwa, a spokeswoman, told AFP.

During the cyclone season, which runs from November to April, several storms or cyclones move across the southwestern Indian Ocean each year.