The Zimbabwe Ambassador to Malawi, who is also the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Her Excellency Dr. Nancy Saungweme has joined the President of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and the rest of Malawians in mourning the loss of life and severe damages to infrastructure caused by the excessive rains induced by cyclone Freddy.
In an interview Dr. Saungweme expressed her sincere condolences to the people of Malawi and encouraged the donor community, stakeholders and all well-wishers to “put all hands on the deck and assist the victims of the cyclone.”
“I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for quick healing to those who were injured,” Saungweme said.
“As the Diplomatic Corps in the country, we are also in a state of shock. The loss of life and damage that has been caused by Cyclone Freddy is beyond imagination and we pray restoration of services will take place as soon as possible.
“We are encouraging other stakeholders including Sadc and the Africa Union to come onboard and help Malawi.”
Dr. Saungweme also said her team from the embassy of Zimbabwe in Lilongwe is also on the ground visiting the victims in camps.
On being asked whether any Zimbabweans in Malawi were affected with the cyclone, Dr Saungweme said: “What is important is to note that all the affected people are part of Zimbabweans. Remember Zimbabwe and Malawi share historical background. We have more than three million Malawians in Zimbabwe and the same should be the case. Every family in Malawi has a Zimbabwean link so yes, the Zimbabwean community has been affected by this cyclone.”
Dr. Saungweme also said through her office some Zimbabweans living in Malawi are pulling together resources to assist the victims.
