Authorities Called to Address Plight of Orphans After Cyclone
As authorities in Thyolo and elsewhere are still assessing the social-economic impact of cyclone Freddy which has killed at least 676 people in the southern region, orphanhood has come out to be one of the areas that needs attention in post recovery.
For instance, a five-year-old child, Collins Mwadala of Katundu village, Senior chief Chimaliro in Thyolo lives with no hope to see his single mother again who died after being washed away by the cyclone in Soche township, Blantyre.
The child survivor has both visual and physical impairments.
According to his grandfather, Micheal Kalyolyo, Collins needs a wheelchair and other social needs to support his living since the deceased was a breadwinner.
Thyolo district child protection officer, Tobby Milanzie says his office will follow up the matter through child protection structures, as they wait for a comprehensive needs assessment regarding the affected children in the district.
"We are yet to come up with those specific needs for the children following the cyclone. But let us follow up and see if we can source a wheelchair for him," Milanzie said.
The death toll in Thyolo stands at 16.
