In Mozambique, a devastating cyclone affected 2,155 people, destroying homes, schools, and health facilities. The Diocese of Nacala’s Bishop Vera described harrowing conditions, including extensive infrastructural damage and displaced families. Emergency plans are underway to provide necessary materials for rebuilding efforts.
The recent cyclone in Mozambique has left a profound impact, affecting 2,155 people across 380 families, with reports confirming one death and 18 injuries. The cyclone’s destructive winds and rain obliterated 380 homes entirely and partially damaged 28 others, displacing many families and leaving them without shelter.
Furthermore, the cyclone severely disrupted essential infrastructure in the region. Damage occurred to 24 health facilities, which hampers access to crucial medical services. The educational sector was not spared either, as 27 schools were harmed, negatively affecting the education of 2,266 students and the operations of 158 teachers.
Bishop Vera vividly described the experience, recalling the “night of terror along the entire coast” during the cyclone. He reported that numerous chapels, schools, and pastoral centers were left roofless. “The destruction is very extensive,” he remarked, noting that nearly half of the mud houses in the Diocese of Nacala were affected. Bishop Vera specifically mentioned the catastrophic winds, which reached speeds of 100 to 150 kilometers per hour, causing widespread destruction.
In addition to the immediate destruction, several bridges were obliterated, severing communication routes between areas such as Nacala-a-Velha and Memba, and between Liupo and Angoche. The Diocese of Nacala has been particularly vulnerable to cyclones during this time of year, previously dealing with the aftermath of Cyclone Dikeledi in January that similarly left many homes and churches devastated. Following these disasters, Bishop Vera initiated an emergency plan to procure essential building materials to aid in recovery efforts.
In conclusion, the recent cyclone in Mozambique has inflicted extensive damage on residential homes and critical infrastructure, exacerbating the struggles of local communities. Bishop Vera’s testimonies underscore the urgency of addressing the ravages of such natural disasters and highlight the ongoing efforts to provide support and reconstruction for affected populations. Continuous attention and resources are necessary to facilitate recovery and rebuild the communities in the wake of this tragedy.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
