Malawi leader President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has called upon the Germany Government to assist the country in implementing Tropical Cyclone Freddy (TCF) reconstruction and recovery interventions.

Chakwera, who is also Minister responsible for Disaster Management Affairs, made the call on Monday in New York, United States of America; when he held talks with Germany Chancellor; Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

“Let me also express gratitude to the Government of Germany for the timely humanitarian aid in response to Cyclone Freddy. I further appeal to your Government to be part of our reconstruction plan valued at US$680 million,” said Chakwera.

In May this year, the Germany government donated (through World Food Programme Malawi ) about K7.7 billion for TCF early recovery and resilience interventions.

A post disaster needs assessment (PDNA) report indicates that TCF effects and losses amounted to US$506.7 million, with total costs of reconstruction and recovery pegged at US$680.4 million.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit the southern region of Malawi on 12 March 2023. Torrential rain brought 400 to 500mm rain in the first 72 hours and for six days alone Freddy triggered six months’ worth of rainfall.