Emergency Response For Tropical Cyclone Freddy

Project details

Mulanje district was heavily affected by the Tropical Cyclone Freddy that hit the Southern part of Malawi in March 2023. In the district, the aftermath of the cyclone which induced torrential rains and strong winds resulted in flooding and landslides claiming 143 lives and displacing 81, 549 people, which saw the activation of 129 camps for relief and rescue operations (DoDMA, 2023). A total of 47,061 (32472 female headed households (FHH), 14589 male headed households (MHH)) households were affected (in camps and out of camps) across the district. The cyclone has resulted in huge losses and damage in different sectors including social and productive sectors. The district has not been spared from the destruction which has left households in dire need of support due to loss of livelihoods, essential household WASH facilities and crops and livestock that were swept away by the floods. While it cannot be refuted that the losses and disruptions affect the general population, it is also evident that some populations are at higher vulnerability than others. Amongst the affected populations, were under two children, lactating and pregnant women; a group that has high nutrition needs. While stunting is already at 35.5% for under-five children according to the MICS report of 2021 (NSO, 2021) the situation will be worsened by the current situation if necessary interventions are not put in place. Therefore, the implementation of emergency nutrition response activities is of paramount importance in as far as safeguarding the lives of children, women and adolescent girls is concerned, and ensuring that the rates of stunting do no become worse in years to come. The agriculture cluster has reported a great destruction of farm produce (both crops and livestock) which entails that access and utilization of nutritious foods will be a challenge. The emergency activities thus have been arranged to capacitate the response teams (Nutrition cluster/DNCC, health workers and school teachers) to ably prepare for all activities and respond timely. There is need to also ensure that communities access accurate and adequate information and supplies related to IYCF, WASH, dietary diversity and supplementation.