'Distressed By Devastation': PM Modi Condoles Deaths Due To Cyclone Freddy In Malawi, Mozambique

Freddy Cyclone: Cyclone Freddy has been barreling through Malawi and Mozambique, killing hundreds of people and displacing thousands more.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures during an event.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his condolences over the loss of lives due to Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar. Since the end of last week, Cyclone Freddy has been barreling through Malawi and Mozambique, killing hundreds of people and displacing thousands more.

According to reports in the media, it also pounded Madagascar and Reunion as it crossed the Indian Ocean last month.

“Distressed by the devastation due to Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar. Condolences to President Lazarus Chakwera, President Filipe Nyusi and President Andry Rajoelina, bereaved families and those affected by the cyclone,” Modi said in a tweet.

Distressed by the devastation due to Cyclone Freddy in Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar. Condolences to President @LAZARUSCHAKWERA, President Filipe Nyusi and President @SE_Rajoelina, bereaved families and those affected by the cyclone. India stands with you in this tough time.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 15, 2023

He continued, "India stands with the affected people in this difficult time."

After Cyclone Freddy struck southern Africa for the second time, triggering floods and landslides that have killed more than 240 people across two countries, rescuers scrambled on Wednesday to reach survivors in Malawi's battered city of Blantyre.

After days of torrential rains, the weather was expected to get better as the storm passed over land. However, localised thunderstorms would still happen, and flood levels would still be high in some places, making it harder to help people in need.

According to the Malawi disaster management agency, "the death toll has risen from 190 to 225 with 707 injured and 41 reported missing," as reported by AFP.

Freddy is one of only four storms in history to travel from northwestern Australia to mainland Africa across the entire Indian Ocean. According to the World Meteorological Organization, Freddy could also be the longest-lasting tropical cyclone in history.