Malawi Red Cross Finalizes Cyclone Freddy Recovery Efforts
In addition to the new homes, the recovery initiative provided K2.2 billion in cash transfers to those who didn't receive houses.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— The Malawi Red Cross Society has finalized the recovery phase of its response to Tropical Cyclone Freddy, a devastating storm that caused widespread destruction across several districts earlier this year, writes Mayamiko Phiri.
Felix Washon, the society's communication specialist, announced the completion of the recovery efforts during a media tour Wednesday to Phalombe and Chiradzulu, where houses for cyclone survivors were constructed.
Disaster response follows a cycle of preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery, Washon said.
The society built 136 multi-hazard resilient houses in Phalombe, Mulanje, Zomba, Chiradzulu and Blantyre districts with help from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Former Presidents Bakili Muluzi and Joyce Banda, serving as Cyclone Freddy goodwill ambassadors, assisted in raising K1.2 billion for the housing project from banks and other partners.
In addition to the new homes, the recovery initiative provided K2.2 billion in cash transfers to those who didn't receive houses.
The society also distributed 500 goats — one male and four females each — to 100 families to sustain their livelihoods.
While the housing project helped many, Washon said an assessment showed thousands more survivors still need shelter. The Malawi Red Cross is soliciting additional funds to construct more homes.
In Chiradzulu's Che Mussa Village, Magret Linje, originally from Mtauchira Village, praised the society for her new house and goats, saying they'll greatly improve her family's circumstances.