Malawi, Mozambique: Flooding and disruptions due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy ongoing across both countries as of March 17 /update 2

Event

The death toll continues to rise amid ongoing disruptions across parts of southern Malawi and central and northern Mozambique as of March 17 following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Freddy. Freddy made landfall in Mozambique for a second time over Quelimane District in Zambezia Province late March 11 and has caused widespread flooding, casualties, and property damage across the affected areas. The system weakened into a tropical depression as it tracked northwestward inland toward the Malawi border March 12-13. It has since dissipated; however, heavy rainfall has continued across the region in recent days and further isolated showers and storms are forecast through at least March 21.

In Mozambique, reports indicate that at least 53 people have died in Zambezia Province. Widespread flooding and damage have also been reported across the province. Nearly 50,000 homes have been partially damaged or completely destroyed and over 250,000 people have been affected. The city of Quelimane, close to where the cyclone made landfall, is amongst the worst affected, with nearly 50,000 people displaced. Flooding has also been reported in parts of Manica, Sofala, and Tete provinces; flooding is also still ongoing in parts of Gaza, Ihambane, and Maputo provinces from when Freddy previously made landfall last month.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency for 10 districts in southern Malawi affected by Freddy. As of March 16, Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has reported at least 326 fatalities, as well as more than 200 people still missing and nearly 800 others injured. Thousands of homes have been damaged and more than 183,000 people are being accommodated in over 300 emergency shelters. Power has largely been restored following outages across much of the affected area; however, many areas are still without water supply.

Cholera outbreaks have been reported in affected areas of both countries. The risk of a further spread of water-borne disease remains high due to the ongoing flooding and poor hygiene conditions caused by the aftermath of the cyclone. Roads have been severely affected across the region, severely hampering the provision of humanitarian assistance to isolated communities.

Freddy has broken records as the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded and has severely impacted the region in recent days and weeks. Freddy made its first landfall over eastern Madagascar Feb. 21 before tracking across the Mozambique Channel and making another landfall over Imhambane Province in Mozambique Feb. 24. The system reentered the Mozambique Channel March 1, impacting southwestern Madagascar March 5-8, before its latest approach towards Zambezia Province in Mozambique. In late February, Freddy-related flooding and rainfall affected approximately 232,000 people in Mozambique; authorities confirmed 10 fatalities and damage to infrastructure, including homes, roads, and schools. Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, and Sofala provinces were the worst affected. Freddy impacted approximately 226,000 people in Madagascar, primarily in the Vatovavy Region, when it first made landfall. Authorities confirmed seven deaths across the country. When Freddy reentered the Mozambique Channel, authorities in Madagascar confirmed 10 additional fatalities as the storm passed close to the country's southwest coastline. The storm affected a further 72,000 people, with more than 24,000 displaced.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect-borne and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates and advisories on weather conditions. Make allowances for possible supply chain disruptions in affected areas. Do not drive on flooded roads. Use extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for flooding. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations. Prepare for possible communication disruptions, including to mobile phone and internet services.

Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect-borne and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS)
Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM)