Over 2 million people in Southern Africa have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy and Tropical Storm Cheneso, which made landfall between January and March 2023. Matthew Pickard, CARE International Southern Africa Regional Director, shares CARE's concerns and responses in the aftermath:
"These extreme weather patterns brought death, destruction, and displacement of families and whole communities leaving them vulnerable to disease outbreaks such as cholera, which the region had been grappling with before the cyclones hit.
Currently, the numbers of the affected are, over 1 million in Mozambique, 562,00 in Malawi, 171,000 in Zambia, and 116,000 in Madagascar. In Malawi, which was already managing the worst cholera outbreak it has faced in decades, the disease has claimed the lives of 1,689 people, and each day more people are getting affected and dying."
"In the aftermath of such great devastation, recovery efforts are ongoing as the numbers of people affected continue to rise. CARE alongside its local partners and government agencies is delivering much-needed support to affected families and communities. From foodstuff to hygiene packs, shelter kits, and kitchen kits, we are working to reach the displaced and support them during this time of need."
For media inquiries, please contact David Mutua, Regional Communications Advisor, East, Central, and Southern Africa: via: [email protected].