Cyclone Chido has caused at least 34 fatalities in Mozambique, resulting in widespread damage and thousands displaced. The storm initially struck Cabo Delgado, moving to other provinces while weakening. The destruction includes significant losses of homes and infrastructure, with many residents at risk of losing access to essential services. Humanitarian response efforts are critical as affected areas continue to face severe challenges.
Cyclone Chido has tragically resulted in at least 34 fatalities following its devastating passage through Mozambique, as reported by the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) this past Tuesday. The cyclone, which made landfall earlier in the week, has caused extensive destruction, displacing thousands and damaging critical infrastructure such as homes and roadways. The initial casualties were reported in Nampula province, leading INGD President Luisa Meque to urge for increased awareness and assistance in the affected areas.
Despite the cyclone’s decreased intensity, it continues to generate heavy rains and strong winds, prompting Meque to highlight the importance of following precautionary measures. As the cyclone weakens to a severe storm, authorities are attentive to its trajectory through the provinces of Tete and Niassa. The storm initially struck the Cabo Delgado province on Sunday, claiming 28 initial lives, with additional deaths recorded in Nampula and Niassa. The cyclone exhibited powerful winds reaching approximately 260 kilometers per hour and brought significant rainfall within a short period.
The scale of the destruction is alarming, with nearly 23,600 homes and 170 fishing boats lost, affecting around 175,000 individuals. The timing of this disaster is particularly detrimental to a region already grappling with conflict and underdevelopment. As Cyclone Chido continues on to Malawi and is anticipated to weaken as it approaches Zimbabwe, the broader impact on children and families in Mozambique is particularly concerning. Humanitarian organizations stress that the effects on vulnerable populations are dire, with numerous children at risk of losing their homes and facing essential service shortages.
Cyclone Chido, a severe tropical storm, made its landfall in Mozambique and left a trail of destruction, making it one of the worst cyclones to hit the region in a decade. Mozambique is frequently affected by cyclones, which exacerbate the challenges posed by existing social issues, including conflict and underdevelopment. The country has struggled with disaster management in the face of such natural disasters, and the recent cyclone adds to the already pressing humanitarian crisis. With substantial loss of life and damage to infrastructure, the aftermath of Cyclone Chido necessitates swift and coordinated disaster response efforts both locally and internationally.
In summary, Cyclone Chido’s impact on Mozambique has been catastrophic, leading to 34 confirmed deaths and significant devastation across multiple provinces. The need for immediate humanitarian aid and community awareness is paramount as the region continues to face the repercussions of this disaster. The gravity of the situation calls for coordinated efforts to assist affected communities, particularly the most vulnerable populations, such as children and families who are at risk of prolonged hardship.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
