Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit the coast of Southern Africa, causing devastation among the communities. On 17th March, UK ISAR sent an Advanced Team of 7, including UK ISAR National Coordinator Russ Gauden, to Malawi to carry out a Rapid Needs Assessment following severe flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Freddy, which has resulted in extensive damage across Malawi.
To help the affected local communities, on behalf of the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, a further 20 members of UK ISAR arrived to assist along with specialized search and rescue equipment, medical equipment and emergency response boats.
The team deployed was fully self-sufficient upon arrival and provided food and water to ensure no additional burden on the country.
In collaboration with Tanzanian Helicopters- the UK ISAR team was transported to Bangula in order to aid with the flood response. A Base of Operations (BoO) and Command and Control were established at the World Food Programme grounds in Bangula. The Malawi Defence Force ensured the safety of every one of the BoOs.
The rescues then came thick and fast; each day, rescues were in the 100s. Communities were trapped on small islands, surrounded only by water, without food or fresh water for more than five days. 358 rescues were made from these islands by boat, plus assistance for four complex needs cases. In collaboration with World Food Programme, the UK ISAR team delivered 5 tonnes of maize to Makanga Island.
UK ISAR National Coordinator, Russ Gauden, presented 3 x rigid inflatable boats for emergency response plus equipment to the President of Malawi- Lazarus Chakwera. These resources will be essential in the ongoing efforts to save lives, respond to emergencies and offer support to local communities.
UK ISAR continued to work with the Malawi Defence Force in providing boat handling training after the handover of three boats, which will leave a lasting legacy for the communities in Malawi.
The team deployed after seven days in the country – gratitude to the team for aiding those in need. Truly impressive team.
