Cyclone Freddy has hit Mozambique for the second time in a month, causing heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and flooding. The country has received over a year’s worth of rainfall in just four weeks. The cyclone, which formed 34 days ago to the northwest of Australia, could become the longest-lasting storm on record.
The death toll has risen to at least 28 people, with one person reported dead since the second landfall near the eastern seaport of Quelimane at approximately 22:00 (20:00 GMT) on Saturday.
Local disaster agencies have warned that over half a million people are at risk of a humanitarian crisis as Cyclone Freddy hits Mozambique for the second time in a month, bringing powerful winds, rain, and flooding.
Electricity has been turned off as a precaution, flights have been suspended, and people have been urged to move into temporary shelters.
One person has already died, and the cyclone may become the longest-lasting storm on record. Freddy formed 34 days ago and had already broken records for the strength it accumulated over its 8,000-km path. Climate change is thought to be intensifying tropical storms globally.
Since the initial landfall of the storm last month, Mozambique’s national disaster management agency has estimated that over 1.5 million people have been impacted, with more than 8,000 individuals being displaced from their homes.
Though a humanitarian operation is ongoing in the area, there are concerns that new heavy rains from the return of Cyclone Freddy may hinder aid efforts.
The cyclone is expected to impact neighboring Malawi, which is currently experiencing a cholera outbreak.
According to weather experts, the storm will bring powerful winds and heavy rainfall to vast regions, including north-eastern Zimbabwe and south-eastern Zambia.
