Former First Lady Gertrude Mutharika has urged women in Mangochi to take a leading role in supporting people that have been displaced by the Cyclone Freddy-induced disaster.

Mutharika made the remarks on Friday at the Women’s Day of Prayer (Mangochi Chapter) commemorations where she was the guest of honour.

She observed that there are more people that have been affected the cyclone and are currently living in their homes who need support from everyone, including women.

She however explained that most of the support is going towards people living in camps only, which she says is making those living outside the camps more vulnerable.

During the ceremony, over K800,000 was raised, with Mutharika providing K400,000.

In Mangochi, Cyclone Freddy has displaced close to 25,000 households.