Storm Freddy: Malawi declares state of disaster as more than 200 killed

The government has declared a state of disaster in 10 southern districts that have been hardest hit by the storm.

The government’s disaster relief agency said more than 20,000 people have been displaced.

The national electricity company said it was unable to get its hydro-power plant working as it had been filled with debris.

Densely-populated poorer communities, living in brick and mud houses, have been hardest-hit.

Some of these houses have crumbled into flood waters, while others have been entirely swept away.

The government has appealed for help for the tens of thousands of people who have been left without food and shelter.

About 20 deaths have so far been reported.