Mozambique has begun building homes for Cyclone Chido victims after the storm resulted in 70 deaths and injured 600. The government aims to construct resilient structures to prevent future destruction, while humanitarian efforts are underway to assist at least 174,000 affected individuals. Concerns about health crises, including cholera, are growing amid ongoing infrastructure damage.
This week, Mozambique commenced the construction of housing for those affected by Cyclone Chido, which ravaged three northern regions of the country on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 individuals and injuring approximately 600. During a visit to the devastated areas, Trade and Industry Minister Silvino Moreno emphasized the government’s commitment to assist storm victims and acknowledged the support of international partners in this endeavor. The immediate focus is on building shelters using durable materials to prevent future destruction caused by substandard construction, which was a significant issue in the affected regions where homes were primarily made of mud and reeds.
Prior to impacting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in Mayotte, a French island territory, leading to numerous fatalities, infrastructure damage, and exacerbating risks for vulnerable communities, including asylum seekers and refugees. The cyclone also affected parts of southern Malawi, where strong winds and torrential rains destroyed homes and infrastructure. Mozambique’s meteorological agency has warned of the likelihood of more storms throughout the ongoing rainy season, urging improved preparedness measures.
Humanitarian organization UNICEF reported that at least 174,000 individuals have been affected by the cyclone’s devastating impact, with expectations for this number to rise as further assessments are conducted. The storm not only caused destruction to residential structures but also damaged several thousand classrooms and 20 health facilities. Michael Chimedza, the head of UNICEF’s field office in Mozambique’s Zambezia province, disclosed that the organization has mobilized resources to assist up to 50,000 individuals and has secured funds to enhance local response training
In addition to Nampula province, Cyclone Chido left its mark in Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces, resulting in power outages for more than 25,000 families and damaging essential infrastructure, including health facilities, roads, and water supply systems. The recent devastation occurred in a region already grappling with a choleral outbreak, raising concerns among aid agencies that the situation may worsen due to the cumulative impacts of the cyclone.
Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique, impacting multiple northern regions and leaving significant damage in its wake. The storm has highlighted the vulnerabilities of local housing and infrastructure, raising concerns not only about immediate recovery efforts but also about long-term planning to withstand similar future disasters. The region was already facing challenges such as a choleral outbreak, making the need for effective humanitarian response even more critical. With substantial aid and rehabilitation efforts needed, international support is vital as the country braces for potential future storms during the rainy season.
In summary, Mozambique’s government is actively engaged in constructing resilient housing for victims of Cyclone Chido, following a tragic loss of life and extensive injuries caused by the storm. The response efforts reveal an urgent need for improved construction practices and better preparation for future disasters. Although humanitarian agencies are stepping in to assist affected communities, the challenges persist, especially in light of ongoing health crises and potential further storms. International collaboration will be essential to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
