The devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy, which hit Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar, continue to rise with the death toll surpassing 500 as governments and other rescue teams continue their operations. The Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development (JCED) in Malawi, which has been the hardest hit country, is seeking support for the victims.

Malawi’s Department of Disaster Affairs reported on 20 March that a total of 508,244 people have been displaced with 534 camps set to accommodate them. The number of people who over are injured is at 1,332 and 427 persons are still missing.

Considered to be one of the longest-lasting storms on record, Cyclone Freddy lasted more than five weeks making its first landfall on 21 February in Madagascar, moving to Mozambique, then back across the Indian Ocean. It reached Mozambique for the second time on 11 March before moving on to Malawi.

On 17 March, JCED in collaboration with Caritas Malawi and joined by the Catholic Bishops went on a solidarity visit to places affected by the cyclone. The team distributed relief items to the most affected.

Following the visit to some of the affected places, JCED noted that people living in evacuation centres are struggling to meet their daily needs. Most of them lack food, utensils, clothes, sanitary materials, and blankets.

JCED is calling for any donation to support the victims of cyclone Freddy. Those who wish to support may contact the JCED Disaster and response desk through jced.climatejustice@gmail.com.

Images from the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development Facebook page