Cyclone Freddy developed over the Indian Ocean more than a month ago and made landfall in southern Africa three times in the last few days. Cyclone Freddy, one of the longest-lived storms ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, if not the whole world, created havoc in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi, killing and injuring hundreds of people with many others unaccounted for, and leaving tens of thousands displaced. The cyclone caused severe flooding and landslides that washed away roads which is now making it difficult for rescue teams to deliver much needed food and medical assistance to the displaced.

Malawi was experiencing its deadliest cholera outbreak prior to this cyclone and officials fear the flood waters will only serve to exacerbate the situation and reduce access to safe water and sanitation.

World Renew Malawi is currently assessing the needs to provide emergency aid to the displaced and those most severely impacted by this disaster.