Call for assistance: as Cyclone Freddy leaves thousands helpless

As the nation continues in its efforts to rise from the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy which ravaged homes and property and caused loss of lots of lives in the southern districts, the Diocese of Chikwawa, through the Social Services Directorate is appealing for assistance from well-wishers to help alleviate the suffering of the survivors.

Sounding the appeal, the Director of Social Services Fr Matthews Semba expressed shock seeing how the cyclone has pain and loss in the lives of many.

According to Fr Semba, the lower shire districts of Nsanje and Chikwawa have been badly hit by the cyclone such that a total of 5,850 households in Nsanje alone, have been displaced and are currently finding shelter in 25 camps; while 4,131 households have been displaced in Chikwawa district being housed in 6 camps.

In response to this calamity, the Diocese through the Directorate has been looking for resources from different well-wishers so as to render a helping hand to the suffering families.

Meanwhile, a team has been set up that is working with District council teams for both Nsanje and Chikwawa to get situation updates, planning interventions and providing support.

The call by the Diocese comes at the same time with Pope Francis’ message of support to the people that have been affected by cyclone Freddy. In His message, the Holy Father expressed His sympathy with the people of Malawi. “I am close to the people of Malawi, hit in recent days by a strong cyclone” He said.

Cyclone Freddy originated in the Indian Ocean and moved inland to Malawi through the southern district of Nsanje caused hundreds of deaths and displacing thousands of families.