Cyclone Freddy Disaster
Food Relief for rural students & their families
(Originally published on GiveMN on April 15, 2023)
Cyclone Freddy is the world's 3rd deadliest tropical cyclone ever recorded. It ripped through Malawi on March 12, 2023.
"The floods and mudslides brought about by the Tropical Cyclone Freddy weather system since 12 March wreaked havoc on communities in southern Malawi, destroying lives, livelihoods and homes. At least 676 people have died and over 500 are still reported missing, according to authorities."
(Source: OCHA, 7 April 2023)
Increased cost of inflation and scarcity has forced food insecurity on more than 600,000 people have been displaced (Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)).
Crops that were 2-3 weeks away from harvest have all been washed away, in a year where the staple food, maize, costs 225% more than in a normal harvest year.
Story Time has a team on the ground working with the rural village near Nsondole CDSS, a secondary school. Volunteers are on the ground providing Story Time's services to the 28 students that we sponsor.
Cyclone Freddy has taken away any chance that our community had at food security this year. It completely wiped out fields of crops that were about to be harvested.
Just $10 can provide food for 1 month for 1 person. $50 can provide food for a family for an entire month.
Story Time's goal is to support our rural community in this time of need, so they can get back on their feet after this disaster.
““In our community...[displaced] people are currently living in tents, and do not have food security.” ”
Cyclone Freddy Impact Map (March 14th, OCHA)