Cyclone Freddy, the longest-lasting and highest-Accumulated Cyclone Energy-producing tropical cyclone ever recorded worldwide, ripped from 13th to 17th March through southern Malawi. At least 508,244 people are displaced and sheltering in 534 camps across flood affected areas as of 20 March, according to Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA). Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of this disaster, and especially with our colleagues at Bambino Foundation in Malawi and the communities they support.

Left: Map prepared by OCHA; Right: Bambino Foundation’s areas on intervention with Community school projects.

Search and rescue efforts continue across multiple districts, such as Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Phalombe, and Blantyre, where many communities in which our partner is active are located. Most of these areas are still flooded and districts such as Blantyre, Chiradzulu, and Phalombe experienced mudslides that have killed several people. Schools are a focal point of the response and school activities have been halted. Three of our partner’s community schools serve currently as shelters for families who lost their homes.

With a heavy heart, we share that 9 community schools supported by Bambino Foundation have collapsed and 12 others have been severely damaged. Among the victims of the disaster, 11 children attending the schools in Phalombe, the East Bank and Chimarilo have died,  as well as 1 parent;  6 teachers had their homes destroyed.

Stills from videos shared by our partner from the most affected areas. 

Currently, we are in regular communications with our partners, as we continue to assess the situation as explore ways in which we can assist further our partner in the current context.