Cyclone Chido has claimed 94 lives in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi, affecting approximately 622,000 people and causing extensive destruction to homes and infrastructure. The cyclone struck on December 15, following an initial impact on Mayotte, and has prompted significant humanitarian concerns in the affected regions.
The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has tragically increased to 94, as reported by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The cyclone made landfall on December 15, bringing devastating wind speeds of up to 260 kilometers per hour, which left 768 individuals injured and impacted approximately 622,000 people across the region. The cyclone caused catastrophic damage, resulting in the destruction or partial damage of 140,000 homes, 52 health centers, 89 public buildings, and 250 schools. Additionally, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) of Malawi reported that the storm has claimed 13 lives and injured 30 in their country, affecting over 35,000 citizens since it began impacting Malawi on the same date. Initially, Cyclone Chido struck the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte on December 14, before moving on to disrupt Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, leading to extensive devastation in multiple areas.
Cyclone Chido has emerged as one of the most severe natural disasters to impact Southern Africa in recent times. Beginning with its initial strike on Mayotte, the cyclone’s trajectory prompted immediate concerns about the likelihood of widespread damage across neighboring regions. Mozambique has been particularly vulnerable to such extreme weather events due to its geographic location and climatic conditions, which are exacerbated by climate change. The recent reports of rising death tolls and extensive damage underscore the critical need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response measures in the face of increasingly frequent severe weather incidents.
Cyclone Chido has resulted in devastating loss of life and widespread infrastructural damage in Mozambique and Malawi, highlighting the dire implications of extreme weather events in the region. With the reported fatalities and disruptions, the necessity for effective disaster management strategies becomes increasingly clear. As recovery efforts continue, it is imperative to consider long-term solutions and preparedness initiatives that can mitigate the impact of similar natural disasters in the future.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
