Cyclone Chido has killed 13 in Malawi, affecting 45,000, after causing widespread devastation in Mayotte and Mozambique. The cyclone struck Blantyre and displaced hundreds, exacerbating the plight of poverty-stricken populations. In total, the cyclone has claimed 31 lives in Mayotte and 45 in Mozambique, prompting calls for urgent humanitarian support.
Cyclone Chido has tragically resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals in Malawi after wreaking havoc in the Mayotte archipelago in France and subsequently impacting Mozambique, as reported by the country’s disaster management agency. Although the cyclone weakened after traversing inland for over 310 miles, it still caused significant damage, injuring nearly 30 individuals and affecting around 45,000 residents as it moved through Malawi on Monday. The cyclone particularly impacted Blantyre, Malawi’s second-largest city, home to 800,000 people as of 2018.
According to Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs, among the 10,159 households affected, 227 individuals have been displaced. The World Bank highlights Malawi as one of the world’s most impoverished nations, with approximately 71 percent of its population living in extreme poverty. Cyclone Chido’s toll extends beyond Malawi, having claimed 31 lives and injured over 1,000 people in Mayotte, and causing at least 45 fatalities and nearly 500 injuries in Mozambique, based on official reports released on Wednesday.
Cyclone Chido is part of a series of increasingly severe weather events affecting Southern Africa, particularly impacting countries that are already vulnerable due to economic hardships and inadequate infrastructure. The region frequently faces natural disasters, which exacerbates the poverty levels among its populace. The disaster management agencies within these nations are tasked with responding to such emergencies, yet they often face challenges due to limited resources and the scale of the devastation caused by powerful storms such as Cyclone Chido.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact across several Southern African nations, resulting in substantial loss of life and widespread displacement. The ongoing effects of climate change and the vulnerability of these countries mean that such disasters may continue to escalate, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster management and support systems. As the recovery process begins, the resilience of the affected communities will be tested, requiring both domestic and international aid to address the aftermath of this tragic event.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
