Malawi's pioneer mobile network and ICT services provider TNM Plc, has donated K20 million in relief items to Malawi Red Cross Society to assist survivors of Tropical Cyclone Freddy that has wreaked havoc in Southern Malawi.

The donation comprises of food items (maize flour, soya pieces, salt, sugar, cooking oil), blankets and buckets. 

TNM's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd Gowera said: "As TNM, we value what our customers go through. So in bad times and good times we have always given ourselves that we will always be there with the people we serve.

"When we heard of the devastation, it prompted us to do something. Senior management visited some sites and what we saw there was dire.

“We are looking forward to fast recovery of the victims as such we have come with basic necessities in our quest to alleviate their immediate challenges. This reaffirms our commitment to share in both good and difficult times as we always say always with you.”

Gowera said TNM decided to channel the funds through Red Cross because of the charity's vast experience in managing resources meant for disasters including the previous working relationship that started in 2015. 

"The Red Cross is one of the worlds largest humanitarian organisations and TNM Plc expressed confidence that the contribution will be put to good use as has been the case in the recent past when we worked with them to respond to similar disasters before," he said 

Felix Washoni, Red Cross Communication and Resource Nobilization specialist said the donation is timely and the items are basic necessities.

"The general picture is that it is a huge devastation. Government and other humanitarian agencies are conducting assessment but over 20,000 have been affected.

"Search and rescue operations are being conducted but rivers are running fast and high and we are also challenged because roads have been cut making it impassable," he said.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) in the Ministry of Homeland Security has said the death toll from the Tropical Cyclone Freddy had exceeded 190 as of Tuesday and assessments are still going on.