Metro

14 reported killed by Cyclone Freddy in Madagascar, Mozambique

Published

1 year ago

March 2, 2023

The death toll as a result of the tropical storm, Cyclone Freddy, in Mozambique and Madagascar has risen to 14, after the storm made a landfall in both countries.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, (OCHA), said on Thursday that so far, seven people have died in each country as a result of the Cyclone.

“The number of people affected by Cyclone Freddy has also risen to 383,000, that includes 226,000 in Madagascar and more than 163,300 in Mozambique,” the agency said in its latest situation report.

“The Tropical Storm Freddy made a landfall in Vilankulo district, Inhambane province, of Mozambique on 24 February, where it has led to significant rainfall, with river levels expected to continue rising.”

“Between 23 and 27 February, Dondo in Sofala Province and Vilankulo both received more than 500 millimetres of rainfall, while Massinga, in the Inhambane Province and Beira in Sofala Province, both received more than 300mm.”

The Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS) also reports that a further 300mm of rain are expected in Inhambane Province this week, indicating that the potential for unprecedented flooding on the Changane River, particularly between Chibuto town and Xai-Xai in Gaza Province.

“In Zimbabwe, on the other hand, while flooding is still possible in south-eastern Zimbabwe, severe flooding is now unlikely, as Freddy did not extend as far inland as previously forecasted,” GloFAS said.

It added that in Mozambique, more than 163,300 people had been affected by rainfall and flooding generated by Tropical Storm Freddy across southern and central Mozambique by 28 February, including 9,268 people who were taking shelter in 26 accommodation centres.

“The number of people displaced has increased to 37,700, and more than 28,800 houses have been destroyed or damaged.

“Even though the intensity of Cyclone Freddy was not as much as we expected, hundreds of thousands of people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Recovery will take months,” World Food Programme’s representative in Madagascar, Pasqualina Di Sirio, said.

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Metro

‘Rights must go with responsibilities,’ traditional leader cautions on use of social media

Published

11 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Mansa, Luapula Province: Annette Katema, the Head Woman of Chitumbi Village in Mansa District, voices concerns about the detrimental effects of irresponsible social media usage.

In a recent interview with Zambia Monitor, Katema argued that social media platforms were contributing to delinquency among the youth, particularly platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Children are being exposed to inappropriate content on WhatsApp, which is harmful to their upbringing. Social media platforms are fostering moral decay,” remarked Head Woman Chitumbi.

She stated that this trend undermined the cultural values that were essential for societal cohesion.

Katema expressed reservations about the prevalence of nudity and offensive language on social media, calling for stricter moderation.

She advocated for proactive measures to steer young people away from harmful online content, suggesting the revitalization of traditional recreational activities like playhouses and sports.

“Instead of solely relying on punitive measures, let’s invest in creating positive alternatives to counter the allure of social media,” Katema proposed.

She urged the youth to uphold traditional values alongside their digital rights, stating the importance of responsible behavior online.

“We should not lose respect in the name of digital rights because rights should go with responsibilities,” the traditional leader said.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

Metro

President Tinubu finally returns to Nigeria amid speculations over his absence

Published

15 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

After spending the last two weeks out of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has finally returned to the country.

Tinubu, who returned to Nigeria on Wednesday morning, had departed the country two weeks ago, on April 23, for The Netherlands for a three-day official visit, honouring an invitation from the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte.

While in the European country, Tinubu participated in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum, which brought together heads of conglomerates and organisations in both countries.

After his engagements in The Netherlands, Tinubu, according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, proceeded to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend a World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development which held between April 28–29.

However, after the summit, the president did not return to the country as he was said to have proceeded to London for a private visit which gave room to speculations over his health.

The Nigerian Presidency did not also help matters as there was no official statement on the President’s engagements, nor were they willing to douse the tension created by his absence, leading to Nigerians raising posers with the hashtag #WhereisTinubu.

In a tweet on Tuesday evening, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had revealed that Tinubu would be back in the country on Wednesday.

“President Bola Tinubu, along with his aides, will return to Nigeria tomorrow from Europe,” he had written.

The recent foreign trip was Tinubu’s 20th since assuming office on May 29, 2023, effectively logging 96 days abroad, which has made him one of Africa’s most globe-trotting leaders.

In his less than one year in office, President Tinubu has visited Paris, France (thrice); London, the United Kingdom (twice); Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Norvo, Benin Republic, New Delhi, India.

He has also taken a trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (twice); Berlin, Germany; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dakar, Senegal; Doha, Qatar; and The Hague, The Netherlands.