Cyclone Chido has killed 13 people in Malawi, injured nearly 30, and affected around 45,000 others, following its initial devastation in Mayotte and Mozambique. The cyclone’s impact highlights the vulnerability of Malawi, which suffers from high poverty rates and limited disaster management resources.
Cyclone Chido has resulted in the tragic death of 13 individuals in Malawi, following its destructive path through the Mayotte archipelago in France and Mozambique. The storm, which had diminished in strength after traveling over 500 kilometers inland, inflicted injuries on nearly 30 individuals and impacted approximately 45,000 people during its passage through Malawi on Monday. The cyclone notably struck Blantyre, the second-largest city in Malawi, which is home to around 800,000 residents.
According to Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs, about 10,159 households have experienced disruption due to the cyclone, with 227 individuals displaced from their homes. It is concerning that Malawi, recognized as one of the poorest countries globally, has an extreme poverty rate of 71%, as reported by the World Bank. The cyclone also wreaked devastation in other regions, accounting for 31 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries in the French territory of Mayotte. Reports from Mozambique indicate that at least 45 residents have lost their lives and nearly 500 have sustained injuries as a result of the storm.
The recent impact of Cyclone Chido serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of southern African countries to severe weather events. The cyclone’s trajectory through Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi highlights the widespread devastation caused by such natural disasters. Malawi, in particular, faces exacerbating challenges due to its high poverty levels and limited resources for disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. The cyclone’s toll on human life and infrastructure underscores the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies in the region, especially in areas that are ill-equipped to handle such calamities.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact in Malawi, claiming 13 lives and affecting tens of thousands of people. The consequences of the storm extend beyond Malawi, with significant casualties reported in Mayotte and Mozambique as well. This incident underscores the pressing challenges faced by countries in the region, particularly in managing the aftermath of natural disasters amidst economic hardships. There is an imperative need for enhanced disaster response frameworks to mitigate the effects of future cyclones.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
