Rise for Malawi: N.American Diaspora Cyclone Fund

Hundreds of people are confirmed dead, and several others missing in Malawi. Cyclone Freddy, the longest-lasting tropical storm on record, made landfall in over 10 districts in Malawi, causing flash floods and mudslides that swept homes - in some cases, entire villages away - leaving thousands without food, sanitation, or shelter; over 180,000 people have been displaced. Medical supplies, food, clothing, and blankets are urgently needed in cities and rural areas. We are appealing for you to donate to help survivors of Freddy and/or share this GoFundMe with your network.

ALL DONATIONS MADE ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE through Malawi Seattle Association (*MSA 501c3) - Tax ID#: 27-1715137

*MSA will serve as the fiscal agent handling the funds.

( Relatives of people who lost their lives in the aftermath of after Storm Freddy, search for their bodies at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital mortuary in Blantyre, Malawi March 14, 2023. REUTERS/Eldson Chagara. Credit... Reuters.com)

RECIPIENT Organizations: We are in the process of vetting organizations that are active in relief work. Funds will be sent from the Malawian community in North America to several local non-profits in Malawi which have the emergency relief infrastructure and networks already in place.

More information :

(Picture by Associate Press)

Freddy caused severe damage to infrastructure also impacting relief efforts. Critical services e.g., hospitals/clinics are flooded, and stagnant floodwaters may exacerbate the ongoing cholera outbreak that has already claimed 1,600 people last year. The floods have impacted the ability of communities to sustain themselves: crops are damaged, and livestock and infrastructure are washed away. Public health systems are strained and potable water is hard to access. The country has been without power for almost a week affecting businesses, schools, and people’s daily activities. To make matters worse, the country is expecting to continue to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in the coming days.

(People line a muddy road in this image tweeted by Malawi Red Cross Society on March 13.)

The Malawi government has declared a State of Disaster in the Southern Region to enable the state to deploy resources to help with relief efforts however resources are far from adequate to deal with a disaster of this magnitude. We are calling on Malawians, descendants of Malawi, and friends of Malawi to support our efforts to help victims back home in various ways.

You can assist right now, by making a tax-deductible donation in any amount. Your contribution will help people receive food, blankets, tents, and other needs and help communities rebuild.

(A collapsed house in Malawi. Credit...The San Diego Union-Tribune)

About the fund

Malawian organizations based in North America (USA and Canada) are jointly raising funds to help victims and survivors of the devastating flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy. Malawi Diaspora Network (MDN), a non-profit, is working to complement government relief efforts. The Embassy of the Republic of Malawi in the US supports these fundraising efforts providing up-to-date information on victims' needs and helping establish priorities. MDN comprises the Malawians in Diaspora Association of Canada (MiDAC), Malawians In Texas Organization (MITO 501c3), Malawi Association in Washington (MAWA 501c3), Malawi Washington Foundation (MWF), New England Malawi Association (NEMA 501c3), Malawi Seattle Association (MSA, 501c3), Association of Malawians in Houston, Malawi Dallas Ft Worth Association (MADFA), BETAMW, NAMFRE and US Malawians-Relief Funds.

*cover picture by Gift Sukez