Malawi, Mozambique: Flooding and disruptions due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy ongoing across the region as of March 14 /update 1

Event

The death toll continues to rise amid ongoing disruptions across parts of southern Malawi and central and northern Mozambique as of March 14 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 March 12-13; the remnants of the system are currently located near the border with Malawi and will bring further heavy rainfall and strong winds across the region over the coming days.

In Mozambique, reports indicate that at least ten people have died in Zambezia Province. Widespread flooding and damage have also been reported; however, damage assessments have been limited due to communication and power outages ongoing in affected areas. Preliminary data indicates at least 1,900 homes have been damaged or destroyed in Zambezia Province and more than 22,000 people are being housed in emergency shelters. At least 650 homes have been damaged and more than 3,000 people have been affected in Sofala Province. Further heavy rainfall is forecast across Manica, Sofala, Tete, and Zambezia provinces in the coming days, as well as southern parts of the Nampula and Niassa provinces.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency for 10 districts in southern Malawi affected by Freddy. As of March 14, at least 111 fatalities have been reported and 16 others are missing in the affected areas. Around 19,000 people have been displaced and scores of homes have been destroyed. Widespread power outages have been reported and schools have been closed across the affected districts through at least March 15. Communication disruptions are ongoing in places. Malawi's Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has warned of daily rainfall totals of around 15 cm (6 inches) across southern parts of the country March 14 due to the continued influence of Freddy.

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)