Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique, killing at least 34 and injuring 43. With around 2.5 million people impacted, severe destruction was reported, particularly in Cabo Delgado province where nearly all homes were damaged. The cyclone’s aftereffects continue to affect several provinces, highlighting the escalating risks from climate change in the region.
Cyclone Chido has tragically caused the deaths of at least 34 individuals and left 43 injured as it struck three northern provinces of Mozambique on Sunday and Monday. According to Luisa Meque, the chair of Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, these figures are preliminary, as rescue operations are ongoing through the devastated areas. Approximately 2.5 million people are reported to have been affected by the cyclone, particularly in Cabo Delgado province where significant destruction has been observed.
The cyclone first made landfall in the Mecufi district of Cabo Delgado, where it wrought near-total devastation, resulting in 100% of homes being damaged and very few structures remaining intact. Canjar Amade recounted the harrowing experience of his home being torn apart by the cyclone, stating that the winds stripped off the sheets during the night, leading to the collapse of his residence the following morning.
Meteorologist Acacio Tembe from the national weather agency has indicated that the provinces of Niassa and Cabo Delgado, along with other regions of Mozambique, continue to experience the effects of the cyclone, including persistent rains and strong winds. The cyclone also impacted Malawi and the island of Mayotte and is projected to dissipate near Zimbabwe by late Tuesday. Mozambique is one of the nations most severely affected by climate change, enduring cyclical floods and tropical cyclones during the rainy season from October to April. Experts warn that the anticipated La Niña effect in southern Africa could escalate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the coming years.
Understanding the context of Cyclone Chido reveals the broader issues of climate change and its dire impacts on vulnerable nations such as Mozambique. The country faces recurrent disasters during the rainy season, exacerbated by shifts in weather patterns due to global warming. As the effects of climate change intensify, Mozambique is particularly at risk, with experts projecting that conditions may worsen, leading to more severe flooding and tropical storms. This situation underscores the urgent need for effective disaster management and climate resilience strategies.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted substantial devastation in northern Mozambique, resulting in loss of life and widespread destruction. The ongoing rescue and recovery operations aim to address the immediate needs of the affected populace. This disaster highlights the vulnerability of Mozambique to climate-related events, prompting calls for enhanced preparedness and adaptation strategies to mitigate future risks associated with climate change. As the region braces for potential future storms, it becomes increasingly critical to prioritize resilience in community planning.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
