Cyclone Freddy: Chakwera calls for more support

President Lazarus Chakwera is calling for more support in the Operation Tigwirane Manja initiative by channeling relief supplies through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs-DODMA or adopt an evacuation camp.

Chakwera made the call last night in his address at Chikoko Bay state residence in Mangochi, after visiting people displaced by Cyclone Freddy in Chikwawa, Zomba and Machinga districts.

He said there was a need for urgent emergency response for people in 505 camps established in the 10 districts, worst hit by the impact of the cyclone.

“As coordinator of Operation Tigwirane Manja, I plead with you all to be custodians of all items availed by government and other well wishers. This is not the time for personal gratification. We all have a duty to show kindness for national good,” Chakwera has said.

The president also acknowledged various relief assistance provided by the governments of Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique and Britain.

He also hailed Shepherded Bushiri of the Enlighten Christian Gathering-ECG Church for adopting eight evacuation camps in Mulanje district.

Chakwera has since stressed the need for coordinated efforts to ensure that all affected people are reached.

“Together, with all stakeholders of goodwill l, we will support rehabilitation efforts by providing temporary shelter, food, sanitary amenities, on-site health care and security in all camps,” the president said.

In total, 447 people have died, 282 people missing and 362,928 are displaced due to the cyclone that hit the southern region on March 10.