Cyclone Freddy kills more than 400 in southern Africa

 

Cyclone Freddy has now killed more than 400 people in southern Africa, according to the latest casualty figures.

The death toll in Malawi has climbed to 326, with at least 201 more missing, President Lazarus Chakwera announced on Thursday night.

In Mozambique, at least 50 deaths have been confirmed so far, but the figure is expected to rise as rescuers continue searching for dozens of missing people.

In its first landfall in February, the storm killed 27 people in Madagascar and Mozambique.

Gift of the Givers Foundation, a South African aid group, on Friday announced it has given aid worth 5 million rands (over $272,000) for people in Malawi.

The UN World Food Program also said on Friday that it is providing immediate lifesaving food assistance, as well trucks and boats for rescue and relief operations.