Malawi, Mozambique: Flooding and disruptions due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy ongoing across both countries as of March 21 /update 3

Event

The death toll continues to rise amid ongoing disruptions across parts of southern Malawi and central and northern Mozambique as of March 21 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. Freddy has since dissipated, and normal rainy season weather conditions will likely resume.

In Mozambique, reports indicate at least 143 fatalities and 34 injuries across Zambezia Province, with widespread flooding and damage across the province. Nearly 50,000 homes, 34 bridges, and almost 3 km (2 miles) of roads are damaged, and over 540,000 people have been affected. The city of Quelimane, close to where the cyclone made landfall, is amongst the worst affected. More than 64,400 people across six provinces are displaced. Reports also indicate flooding in parts of Manica, Sofala, and Tete provinces; flooding remains ongoing in parts of Gaza, Ihambane, and Maputo provinces from when Freddy first made landfall in February.

In Malawi, authorities have declared a state of emergency for 14 districts in the southern regions. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Nsanje and Phalombe districts. As of March 20, Malawi's Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has reported at least 499 fatalities and more than 841 others injured, with more than 420 still missing. The storm damaged thousands of homes and displaced more than 508,000 people across 534 emergency shelters. Authorities have restored most power following outages across much of the affected area; however, many areas remain without water supply.

Reports indicate cholera outbreaks in affected areas of both countries. The risk of a further spread of waterborne 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.

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)