CYCLONE FREDDY DISRUPTS LOGISTICS IN MALAWI - FAMS CONTINUES OPERATIONS
As the death toll has risen from Monday’s cyclone, the full extent of the damage from one of the strongest and longest lasting cyclones ever to appear in the southern hemisphere has become apparent.
Hundreds of people have been left homeless as the cyclone tore through the Southern districts of Malawi and hit the commercial city of Blantyre especially hard on Monday (March 13th).
DSV’s agent in Malawi, FAMS Air and Sea Ltd were able to account for all their staff and confirm their safety. In spite of power outages, damaged roads and infrastructure, the company is able to continue operations in both Blantyre and Lilongwe.
Muloza Border Post has been flooded. All other border posts are still open and operating, although IT systems are functioning at limited capacity due to power problems.
Road transport in and out of Blantyre is functioning but with many trees down, warehouses damaged, no power in the city and continuing rain, services are delayed.
Blantyre Airport flight schedules are not confirmed at this stage, but flights on Monday and Tuesday were diverted to the capital Lilongwe.
With many communities destroyed, crops ruined and large numbers of people made homeless, there is a need for urgent relief assistance.
FAMS Group Commercial Director, Alwin Das, and DSV Africa Services head, Kris Van Heerden were on a visit for Blantyre the day after the cyclone hit the city.
“The damage to roads, buildings and infrastructure is shocking. Many people live on the hills here, where the mud passed and flushed away anything and everything. Let us see how we can support the affected people,” said FAMS Director Alwin Das during his visit to the city.