Cyclone Freddy recently hit Malawi with heavy rains and strong winds causing massive flooding and enormous damage, including the loss of 336+ lives in Malawi and Mozambique.

Just a week ago, when the Malawi team attended ITB Berlin and was a magnet of attention, Africa’s “Warm Heart,” Malawi, was beating faster with a legendary welcome for all who wished to experience the unrivalled combination of lake, landscape, wildlife and culture in one of Africa’s most beautiful and compact countries. Recently crowned as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Top Countries for 2022 (a remarkable second appearance on that prestigious list in recent years), Malawi’s tourism is set to return to the upward trajectory it was on pre-pandemic.

According to Malawi tourism industry members, the worst of the weather has now passed, and the disruption to tourism will only be temporary. Still, this will be life-changing for the rural communities most impacted, especially around the worse-hit areas of the southern region.

Those who have lost their homes need immediate help, and much rebuilding work must be done. As ever, Malawi’s tourism industry has been quick to act and mobilize to assist their local communities. Schools have been shut for the past few days.

The cyclone has unleashed torrents of water in built-up areas of Blantyre along the rivers, and terrible landslides have swept down hillsides. Boulders more enormous than houses have rolled down the mountainside leaving no trace of dwellings, humans, or life behind. The plains in Chikwawa and Nsanje have again disappeared under water, leaving thousands of people displaced, cut off from the main roads, and needing shelter, food, and water.

Malawi Tourism officials have suggested the Cyclone Freddy appeal.

The initiative promises:

  • We will provide emergency food for displaced families.
  • We will provide support in getting people medical attention where essential.
  • We will partner with others responding to this crisis for so many.
  • We will support the provision of shelters, blankets, pots, and pans for those in desperate need.
  • We will maintain and service water points to reinstate safe drinking water as an emergency response through Madzi Alipo.
  • We will provide support for repairing and building local houses.

Round Table Malawi Cyclone Freddy Flood Appeal is another way of contributing money.

An award-winning local operator, Crafted Africa, provides a direct link for those who wish to contribute to the relief effort. The tour operator will ensure donations will be used most effectively.