According to authorities, the extraordinarily long-lasting tropical storm "Freddy" claimed a total of 263 lives in three countries in south-eastern Africa - Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar. Hardest hit is impoverished Malawi, where state broadcaster MBC reported 225 deaths on Wednesday.

According to official figures, almost 800 people have been injured as a result of heavy rainfall, floods and landslides; 37 others were reported missing. At least 20,000 people have become homeless, according to the civil protection agency. The government has declared a state of emergency for the hardest hit region, southern Malawi.

The cyclone has wreaked havoc in south-east Africa for the second time in a month since late Friday evening. At least 21 people have died in Mozambique since the weekend, according to rescue workers. At least 17 people were also killed in the island nation of Madagascar.

"Freddy" reached land for the first time on February 21 - in Madagascar. From there the storm moved on to Mozambique and then back across the Indian Ocean. On March 11, "Freddy" reached Mozambique and Malawi for the second time.

According to the World Weather Organization (WMO), the storm, which has been raging for more than a month, is likely to be the longest-lasting cyclone since weather records began. "Freddy" was declared a cyclone on February 6. Southern Africa is currently in cyclone season which can bring rain and severe storms through March or April.