Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated Malawi, resulting in at least seven fatalities and affecting over 30,000 people. The storm caused significant infrastructural damage, primarily in southern districts. In collaboration with humanitarian partners, relief efforts are underway to assist the impacted communities as the storm dissipates.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in Malawi, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals and affecting more than 30,000 others, as reported by disaster officials on Tuesday. According to a preliminary assessment from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs, the cyclone caused significant destruction, including the removal of roofs from schools, health facilities, and homes. The spokesperson, Chipiliro Khamula, indicated that 7,721 households encompassing 34,741 people have been adversely impacted, with three fatalities recorded in Salima district alone. Other districts including Kasungu, Machinga, Blantyre, and Lilongwe also reported one death each. Additionally, there were 16 reported injuries.
Cyclone Chido originated northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, making landfall in Mozambique on Sunday, where it inflicted considerable damage. Reports from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted that over 174,000 individuals in Mozambique and 64,000 in the Comoros archipelago were affected, with thousands of homes destroyed. The remnants of Chido moved through Malawi on Monday, transforming into a moderate tropical storm that brought heavy rains and flooding to approximately 17 districts, especially in the southern regions.
Lucy Mtilatila, the director of the Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, stated that the storm has now dissipated, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding potential developments in the Indian Ocean. School classes resumed following a suspension on Sunday as a safety measure. Khamula confirmed that search and rescue teams have been withdrawn from at-risk areas, and the disaster agency is coordinating relief efforts with humanitarian partners to support those affected.
Disasters due to tropical storms and cyclones are a frequent occurrence in the Indian Ocean region, impacting nations like Malawi, Mozambique, and the Comoros archipelago. Such natural events often result in extensive destruction of infrastructure and pose serious threats to public safety and health. Previous instances of tropical cyclones in these areas have led to loss of life, damage to homes, and widespread community displacement. Relief operations are critical to assist affected populations in the aftermath of such calamities.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Malawi has resulted in tragic loss of life and has significantly affected thousands of people. With extensive damage to infrastructure reported, it underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities in cyclone-prone regions. Moving forward, coordinated relief efforts will be essential in providing support to those affected as they begin the process of recovery.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
