Tropical Storm Chido claimed the lives of at least seven people in Malawi and affected over 30,000 individuals. The storm caused extensive damage, leading to the destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities. Flooding and heavy rain were reported across 17 districts. The storm also impacted Mozambique and the Comoros archipelago significantly. Relief efforts are underway to assist those affected.
Tropical Storm Chido has wreaked havoc in Malawi, resulting in the death of at least seven individuals and affecting over 30,000 others, according to disaster officials. Preliminary assessments conducted by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs revealed extensive damage, including the destruction of school roofs, health facilities, and numerous houses. Notably, three fatalities occurred in Salima district while other districts, including Kasungu, Machinga, Blantyre, and Lilongwe, recorded one death each. Furthermore, 16 injuries have been reported, underscoring the storm’s impact on the population.
Chido originated from the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, making landfall near Nacala, Mozambique, where it caused extensive damage before its remnants transitioned into Malawi as a moderate tropical storm on Monday. Its effects extended beyond Malawi, with a report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicating that over 174,000 individuals were affected in Mozambique and approximately 64,000 in the Comoros archipelago, where countless homes were destroyed.
Lucy Mtilatila, the director of the Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, reported that the storm had dissipated, though caution remains as authorities monitor the Indian Ocean for potential future activity. Education resumed following a temporary suspension of classes as a safety measure, and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs has concluded its search and rescue operations while shifting focus to coordinating relief assistance for the affected households.
Tropical Storm Chido emerged as a notable weather event in the Indian Ocean and has had severe repercussions for neighboring countries such as Malawi. The storm’s trajectory included landfall in Mozambique, which significantly compounded the disaster’s overall impact in the region. Understanding the scale of destruction caused by such storms is crucial for effective disaster response and mitigation strategies moving forward. Authorities in Malawi are currently involved in relief efforts aimed at supporting those affected, indicating a proactive approach to disaster management in the wake of Chido’s devastation.
In summary, Tropical Storm Chido has caused significant loss of life and extensive property damage in Malawi, with more than 30,000 individuals sustaining impacts from the storm. The Malawi Department of Disaster Management Affairs is actively engaged in providing relief to affected communities. The event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by coastal nations in the face of natural disasters, necessitating robust preparedness and support systems to mitigate future impacts.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
