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Record breaking cyclone - 22nd March 2023
Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique were destroyed by cyclone Freddy. The World Meteorological Organisation claims it's the world's longest lasting cyclone.
Freddy was active from 6th February until 15th March. The cyclone’s strength was shown as it crashed into southeast Africa. Although cyclones are known for their powerful winds and heavy rainfall, Freddy’s caused extremely widespread flooding and countless mudslides.
Thousands have been injured and many have lost everything. 800 people have died but it's feared this number will climb.
Richard Chimwendo Banda's saddened by the destruction and is demanding international support.
Richard Chimwendo Banda: "What we are seeing here is a crisis. So far, we are talking of about 122 people that we have confirmed that they have lost their lives. But quite a number of them are missing and this demands that all of use come in and support. People have been displaced, thousands and thousands in all the 10 districts."
A school in Blantyre in Malawi is being used as an emergency shelter. Poor conditions and a lack of electricity have slowed down efforts to deliver aid to people in need. The Malawi government has announced a state of disaster for all the affected areas and has called for international aid.
Malawi was already suffering from a cholera outbreak before the cyclone. The floods now threaten to worsen this situation.
Meteorologists may take a few months to confirm if Freddy was the longest lasting cyclone. However, this one cyclone produced more energy than a whole Atlantic hurricane season.
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