Chakwera urges cyclone survivors not to lose hope
President Lazarus Chakwera has encouraged people that have been affected by Cyclone Freddy not to lose hope.
He said he is expecting more support from various partners for the assistance of the people. Chakwera said this at Sekwere Primary School in Zomba where he cheered people who have been affected by the cyclone in the district.
The President, who visited two sites in Chisi and Malosa constituencies before proceeding to Machinga, said different governments are ready to support Malawi over the crisis.
He assured that everyone affected will be assisted.
“Do not lose hope because as I am speaking Zambia has donated food and non-food items to our nation. So be assured that everyone who is affected by the cyclone would be assisted because we are expecting more support,” he said in his address.
He said while he understands that some people do not have food, shelter, and clothes, they still need to remain hopeful of better times. Chakwera again rallied Malawians to unite in fighting the effects of Cyclone Freddy. He warned against taking advantage of those that have been hit by the disaster.
“I want all those who have been affected to be assisted and no one should take advantage of the crisis to steal relief items,” he said.
Chakwera was accompanied by a number of ministers. Former president, Joyce Banda, who was also in the President’s company in Zomba Malosa Constituency, said climate change is real and there is need for more financial assistance to support survivors of such climate shocks.
Member of Parliament for Zomba Chisi Constituency, Mark Botomani, said during the tour that the cyclone has hit at a time people in his area were also fighting hunger.
He therefore pleaded with Chakwera to ensure that the challenges people are facing are addressed. At the time we went to press, records showed that the cyclone has affected over 126, 000 people in the district, with over 25,000 households in dire need of support.
Nine people have been confirmed dead in Zomba due to the cyclone.
