Phalombe communitie rue Cyclone Freddy

 Communities in Phalombe have said it will be difficult to forget the devastating impact of Cyclone Freddy that wreaked havoc in March last year in the district and some parts of the country.

In an interview on the sidelines of a cash transfer exercise the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (Cadecom) conducted on Saturday, Traditional Authority (T/A) Phweremwe said although a year has gone after the disaster, many communities were going through difficult times as they lack food, proper shelter and other basic needs.

“In my area, 3 523 people were affected by the cyclone, 296 houses were swept away by floods and 81 people died. This disaster left an indelible mark and it will haunt us forever,” said Phweremwe.

He, however, thanked Cadecom for supporting 300 affected households with cash, saying it will help to uplift their lives.

Cadecom representative Reverend Vincent Matewere of Muloza Catholic Parish in Mulanje said his organisation noted some of the challenges cyclone survivors were facing; hence, the support.

He expressed optimism that the cash transfer will help to ease their challenges.

“It is clear at the moment that T/A Phweremwe was one of the worst affected areas. We decided to give the survivors a little something to alleviate their suffering,” said Matewere.

One of the beneficiaries, Falesi Saulos, commended Cadecom for the support, saying she has been living a miserable life.

“I lost almost everything to the disaster. It is difficult to bounce back amid the current hunger situation caused by dry spells,” she said.

The beneficiaries received K100 000 each.