Cyclone Freddy has caused widespread destruction in central Mozambique, displacing hundreds of people and breaking records as the southern hemisphere’s longest-lasting and strongest tropical storm. Communication and electricity supplies in the affected areas have been cut, making it hard to determine the damage and level of casualties. At least one person has been confirmed dead, and more than half a million remain at risk of being affected, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). State TV has reported that hundreds of people have been displaced across the storm’s path, and various houses destroyed. The storm is continuing inland towards neighboring Malawi. The national power company Electricidade de Moçambique has restored power in most areas but not everywhere. The UNICEF chief of advocacy, communications, and partnerships Guy Taylor said that the damage is extensive, and heavy rains are still falling. Malawi is also bracing itself for the cyclone to pass by the southern tip. The storm has broken several records and is likely to be the longest-lasting tropical cyclone, remaining swirling for 35 days.
Cyclone Freddy forces hundreds to flee in second Mozambique landfall.
