Cyclone Chido has resulted in at least 34 fatalities and 43 injuries in Mozambique, affecting around 2.5 million people. The cyclone caused extensive damage, particularly in Cabo Delgado province, with reports indicating that nearly all homes in some areas were destroyed. As rescue operations continue, meteorological experts warn of persistent adverse conditions in the region due to the remnants of the storm.
Cyclone Chido has struck three northern provinces of Mozambique, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 34 lives and leaving 43 individuals injured as of Monday. According to the head of the country’s disaster management agency, these figures are preliminary, while rescue teams continue to search through the debris. Luisa Meque, chair of the Mozambique National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, reported that approximately 2.5 million people have been affected by this devastating cyclone.
The cyclone made its initial landfall on Sunday in the district of Mecufi, situated in Cabo Delgado province. The destruction in the area has been described as nearly total, with reports indicating that 100% of homes in some districts were damaged, and only a few structures remain standing. Eyewitness accounts, like that of Canjar Amade who experienced the cyclone first-hand, reveal the perilous conditions, as he recounted how the wind dismantled his house during the storm.
Meteorologist Acacio Tembe from the national weather agency indicated that the provinces of Niassa and Cabo Delgado continue to experience adverse weather conditions due to the remnants of the cyclone, including heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm has also impacted Malawi and the island of Mayotte, and it is projected to dissipate near Zimbabwe by late Tuesday.
Mozambique is one of the nations most severely affected by the impacts of global climate change, particularly during the rainy season, which spans from October to April. This period is marked by cyclical flooding and tropical cyclones, a phenomenon that has become increasingly frequent and intense. Experts are concerned that the potential onset of a La Niña climate pattern in early 2025 will further exacerbate the frequency and severity of these weather events, leading to more floods in areas currently grappling with drought conditions.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in Mozambique, claiming at least 34 lives and affecting millions. With ongoing rescue operations and the expectation of continued adverse weather in Northern Mozambique, the challenges posed by climate change in the region remain paramount. The recent events underscore the urgent need for enhanced disaster management strategies and community resilience against the increasing threat of such natural disasters.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
