he Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Buleya has called on all students, Staff, and people of goodwill in the country and across the borders to support people that are affected by Cyclone Freddy.
In a Circular with reference number VC/Admin/2023/1, dated 15th March 2023, Rev. Fr. Buleya disclosed that the University had witnessed the tragedy whereby people from the neighboring villages around the campus have been swept away by floods.
“As we are all aware now, the Southern region of Malawi has been affected by consecutive days of Tropical Cyclone Freddy induced heavy torrential rains in the last five days causing severe destructive flooding and mudslides on some hilly areas”
“Thousands of people are now living in temporal shelters or the open space and facing food insecurity and health risks such as water-borne diseases”
“Now, in a more organized way, I would like that we (Staff members and Students) join hands together in reaching out concretely to our brothers and sisters affected by the cyclone” reads part of the Circular.
The Vice-Chancellor has disclosed that University seeks psycho-social and medical support from the victims especially those in a temporary shelter at the Montfort Primary School, a donation in kind (Blankets, buckets, plates, etc.) and financial contributions (to help procure the much-needed items).
On Sunday Malawi witnessed a devasting downpour that caused mudslides and floods affecting some districts in the Southern Region.
Over 250 people are reported to have lost their lives, thousands displaced and hundreds being injured.
Meanwhile, the Head of State Lazarus Chakwera has declared a fourteen-day mourning period to honor the departed souls of the heavy rains.