Minister of Energy, Honorable Ibrahim Matola yesterday visited Machinga despite the heavy rain to comfort Tropical Cyclone Freddy victims in the district.
“Yesterday, I ventured out into the heavy rain to start visiting those affected by Cyclone Freddy in Machinga district . I started at Senior Chief Nyambi’s headquarters, where I comforted victims before moving on to other areas; Paramount Kawinga and Senior Chief Mlomba,” Matola says.
The Minister says Machinga was one of the areas hit hardest by the cyclone, with over 109,696 people affected.
“Of this number, over 60,000 are female and over 6,000 are children of the age between 6-18 years,” he says.
Matola adds: ” Just like in other areas, the people in Machinga also need our support such as shelter, blankets, pots, and food among other necessities.”
Matola says despite the impact that the natural calamity has caused to the people, government is committed to continue supporting them and bring back their lives to normalcy.
“It’s sadenning to see so many people suffering, but I take solace in knowing that we can make a difference in their lives if we all continue working together,” Matola says.
At least 326 people have been confirmed dead due to the cyclone while others are still missing. The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and other parties continue to search for the missing people in the southern region of Malawi.
