President Lazarus Chakwera says former presidents Bakili Muluzi and Joyce Banda have pledged to support all efforts lined up by government in providing relief to Cyclone Freddy survivors.

Cyclone Freddy has killed more than 511 people, with 1,332 people injured, and 562,415 people displaced, according to latest figures by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA). 533 people were reported missing.

Writing on his Facebook page after his engagement with the two ex-presidents, president Chakwera said he was humbled to receive such support from the two statespersons.

“Excellencies Dr. Bakili Muluzi and Dr. Joyce Banda, have presented valuable insights on how best we can provide immediate relief to the displaced then rebuild resiliently against climate-induced disasters,” Chakwera said.

Cyclone Freddy has affected 15 councils, namely; Balaka, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Zomba City and Zomba District.