In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy, one of the strongest tropical storms to hit southern Africa, ripped through Malawi. In the space of 72 hours, the storm poured out half a year’s worth of rain, leaving devastation in its wake. An estimated 2,267,458 people were affected by the disaster with 659,278 people displaced in 749 camps. The evacuation camps were mainly sturdy structures within affected communities such as schools, churches and halls.
The Cyclone most severely impacted the southern districts of Malawi, including Zomba, where SALT is located. It affected not only SALT’s close neighbours but also our volunteers in various districts. While SALT could not do the heavy lifting in this disaster, it was a great privilege to come alongside our neighbours and volunteers at such an unprecedented time.
Emergency food response
SALT visited 7 camps in three districts (Chiradzulu, Chikwawa and Zomba). SALT began responding at Lisao camp in Chiradzulu district then in camps in Zomba district. SALT “adopted” these camps paying them routine visits roughly every two weeks. Later in the response, SALT visited camps in the lower shire region which still had large numbers of displaced people.
The routine visits to evacuation camps were a unique element and especially helpful when it came to forming relationships and sharing the Word. Many camp managers said that they received food assistance only once from government or other organisations. This was a challenge because the food would quickly run out due to the large numbers of people there. Through the routine visits, families received regular support and heard the Good News preached.
We also provided food assistance to vulnerable members of the community. These included families from surrounding villages, assembly members, and volunteer distributors.
Overall, SALT distributed over 16 tonnes of maize flour under the Cyclone Freddy response.
Rebuilding homes
Our response’s focus soon shifted to rebuilding when camps were closed to allow students to return to school. SALT constructed new homes for 14 families and assisted 3 families with partial rebuilds as they had other parts of the structures intact.
In the rural areas, many houses are made with mud bricks and some use only mud for mortar, making them particularly susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Though the rebuilding work faced significant challenges such as soaring prices of cement and building materials, we are thankful that families were assisted with safe and secure lodging.
Enelesi, is a single mother of two from Lisao camp. She had this to say when SALT constructed a new home for her: “I never expected that I could have this home. I would ask myself while I was at the camp, I’m single… How will I find a home? Will I afford a home – even a thatch one?… I’m really thankful.”
Responding to ongoing cyclone-induced food insecurity
Though not all families lost their homes in the storm, many families lost their crops. SALT purchased maize to cater to ongoing food insecurity caused by Cyclone Freddy. SALT purchased 12 tonnes of maize to assist with responding to these needs.
Demonstrating the love of God
Above all, we are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate the love of God and share the Word at one of the most unprecedented times for Malawi. Through the response, new connections have been formed. Even those we may not have a chance to meet again were left with God’s Word – a gift that will remain with them.
“The great part…” shared Brother Harold, “is that we were able to visit as many people as possible and preach the gospel in an environment where the hearts are so ready to receive the gospel… I was greatly encouraged that as an organisation, we’re able to identify these needs and be able to carry on and touch the lives of people physically and spiritually.”
The Headteacher of Nanjiri School which was sheltering displaced families also echoed these sentiments when the team visited the camp. “I’ve seen a difference compared to how others come to help…” He said. “Today, we’ve received both kinds of help… physical and spiritual… I don’t know what moved him (brother Goodson), but I believe it was the Holy Spirit that led him to get up and come…”
Conclusion
Malawi was hit with a record-breaking natural disaster, which led to loss of lives, homes and livelihoods. Many were left wondering if and how they would move forward from such a crisis. SALT responded to immediate needs while seeking to support future needs through rebuilding homes and food assistance. We are thankful to all who supported this response and made it possible to give not only practical help but also a message of hope at such a desperate time.
