Cyclone Chido Claims 94 Lives in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi, Extent of Damage Revealed

Cyclone Chido has resulted in a death toll of 94 in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi, affecting around 622,000 people. The cyclone caused significant destruction, damaging 140,000 homes and injuring 768 individuals. It first impacted Mayotte before moving to Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, leaving communities in dire need of assistance.

The toll from Cyclone Chido has tragically increased to 94 fatalities in Mozambique, according to a recent report. The cyclone, which struck the Indian Ocean coastline on December 15, generated maximum wind speeds of 260 kilometers per hour (161.5 miles per hour), resulting in extensive destruction. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) indicated that approximately 140,000 houses were either completely destroyed or significantly damaged due to the storm. Additionally, over 768 individuals sustained injuries while around 622,000 people were affected overall by the disaster.

Furthermore, the cyclone’s impact has been felt across borders, with neighboring Malawi reporting a rising death toll now totaling 13, alongside injuries to at least 30 individuals. Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) highlighted that over 35,000 residents have been affected since the cyclone’s onset on December 15. Initially, Cyclone Chido made landfall in the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on December 14, before wreaking havoc in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, leading to widespread destruction across these regions.

Cyclone Chido, a powerful storm characterized by wind speeds exceeding 260 kilometers per hour, significantly impacted the southern African region in December. Its trajectory from Mayotte into Mozambique and Malawi underscores the troubling intersection of natural disasters with climate change vulnerabilities. The storm’s severe ramifications not only caused loss of life but also inflicted extensive damage to infrastructure, including homes, health facilities, and schools. Such events raise critical discussions about disaster preparedness and the need for comprehensive climate resilience strategies in affected regions.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has led to devastating impacts across southern Africa, with tragically high death tolls and widespread destruction in Mozambique and Malawi. The destruction of homes, health centers, and educational institutions highlights the urgent need for enhanced disaster management and climate adaptation strategies in vulnerable regions. The ongoing humanitarian crisis demands immediate attention to aid those affected and rebuild their communities in the wake of this catastrophic event.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr