Nearly half a million people have been affected by Cyclone Freddy in Malawi.

The Department or Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) said as of Sunday, March 19 2023, the number of the displaced people was now at 490,098 with 533 camps set to accommodate the displaced.

The death toll has risen from 447 to 476; with 918 injuries. The number of reported missing persons is at 349 from 282. The figures are expected to rise as search and rescue missions continue.

The search and rescue mission are being conducted by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the United Kingdom search and rescue teams.

Charles Kalemba Dodma commissioner said: "The national interagency assessment team is on the ground supporting affected councils with assessments to establish the total number of affected people and their immediate needs."

The MDF is also airlifting relief items, medical supplies and personnel to places not accessible by road.

Two helicopters dispatched by the United Republic of Tanzania, have started airlifting relief assistance to areas that are inaccessible by road and water.