No loss of Zambian lives as a result of Tropical Cyclone Freddy- Kakubo

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo has announced that no Zambian national in Malawi and Mozambique is reported to have lost their life as a result of Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

In a statement issued to the media, Mr Kakubo however disclosed that some Zambians in Blantyre city of Malawi, have been affected by Cyclone Freddy after their property was damaged following torrential rains.

Mr Kakubo said that the Zambian Missions in Malawi and Mozambique have since continued to check on the known Zambians in affected areas and will continue to closely monitor the situation as it evolves.

The Minister assured that his ministry remains actively seized over the matter and will update the nation especially on the welfare of Zambians as and when new information will be received.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to update the Nation on the welfare of Zambians following the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Malawi and Mozambique,” Mr Kakubo stated.

He pointed out the support by the Government to Malawi and Mozambique in the form of disaster relief supplies of food and non-food items, including maize, beans, salt, chlorine, blankets and tents for displaced households.

Mr Kakubo said that the assistance is expected to help mitigate the untold effects of the disasters the two countries are experiencing and also to complement ongoing regional efforts towards humanitarian assistance.

And the Minister conveyed Zambia’s condolences to the two Governments, and the people of Malawi and Mozambique on the tragic loss of lives and sadness following the destruction of property in the wake of the cyclone.

The devastating tropical cyclone, which originated from north-western Australia and traversed the Indian Ocean to mainland Africa, has led to loss of hundreds of lives, injuries and severe damage to public and private property, particularly in Malawi.