Over 10 die of cyclone Freddy in Malawi, Schools suspended

Over 10 people have died and 16 missing in some Townships in Blantyre due to cyclone Freddy

According to police report the casualties have been reported in Chilobwe, Ndirande, Chigumula, Kabula and Chileka

Sub inspector Bakili of Chilobwe police unit said they received a report that water exploded from Soche Hill hence washing away houses and families

He said a female child of about three years old has been killed by the flash floods

Bakili says some houses built along the banks of Chimaliro stream in Chilobwe-Khalika area have been washed away last night

In Ndirande police have reported that five people who were residing in one house have died after the house they were sleeping in fell during the night

The devastation comes after Ministry of education suspended schools in the southern districts of Malawi to prevent effects of cyclone Freddy affecting the children

Meanwhile, Department of disaster management affairs says is working with various partners in coordinating preparedness and response to reduce impact of the cyclone

According to a statement signed by commissioner for disaster Charles Kalemba they want to reach out to all councils that are experiencing heavy rains and winds

Kalemba says the department has already positioned members of the rescue team and made arrangements of setting a national emergency operation centre to facilitate coordination of preparedness and response intervention

In a related development, Ministry of health says has put in place measures to ensure minimal disruption of health services in the districts affected by the storm

Secretary for health Charles Mwansambo says among others the ministry has established an evacuation centre Queen Elizabeth Central hospital QECH to handle any emergencies

Mwansambo also says the ministry has transferred cholera patients from Limbe and Gateway treatment centres to QECH

Commenting health rights activist has called for joints efforts towards the provision of clean water to people in areas affected by the cyclone

Speaking in an interview with Radio Islam professor Adamson Muula of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences KUHES says it is sad that the storm comes at a time the country is battling with cholera coupled with unavailability of the vaccine

However, Muula says all hope is not lost as people can use other available means of treating water in order to prevent water borne diseases

In a separate interview George Jobe of Malawi Health Equity Network MEHN has called on government to provide necessary support to all affected people

Labour Wezzie Kayira has asked employers to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of employees on these two days

Kayira says the employees should be allowed to work only when there is a guarantee of the safety of the employees