By Chisomo Phiri
President Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in the country from his 13-day trip to Qatar and South Africa.
The president landed this afternoon through Kamuzu International Airport ( KIA) in capital Lilongwe where he was welcomed by Vice President Saulos Chilima.
Speaking to journalists, Chakwera said he is saddened by the loss of life following Tropical Cyclone Freddy which has claimed 190 lives and destroyed dozens of homes in the Southern Region.
Said the Malawi leader:”I am keen to go see for myself what has happened and it is one of those things that we look for help not just from people and partners but God himself.”
He added:”Let me heartily commend all private citizens and institutions that are already on the ground complementing government efforts in recovery of bodies, relocation of the displaced and donating various items to provide comfort for affected communities.
“You are rendering a selfless and noble service to the nation. Let us all unite in the face of this national grief.”
Chakwera left the country on March 2,2023 for Qatar to attend the 5th United Nations (UN) Conference on Least Developed Countries.
Malawians were being informed about his activities through the government’s social media platforms.
From Qatar, the president went to South Africa where the government says he carried out a number of bilateral engagements.
Recently, Chakwera declared the southern region, a State of Disaster following the effects of Cyclone Freddy.
His government has also donated 1.6 billion as the Cyclone effects response.