Cyclone Chido’s Devastating Toll: Deaths and Destruction in Mozambique

Cyclone Chido has killed 94 people and injured 768 in Mozambique, affecting over 622,000 individuals. The cyclone, which first hit Mayotte, struck northern Mozambique with high winds and significant rainfall, damaging infrastructure and posing risks to health and education. The government is mobilizing support to assist affected regions while raising awareness of climate change’s impact on storm intensity.

Cyclone Chido has tragically claimed the lives of 94 individuals in Mozambique since making landfall on December 15, according to local authorities. The National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) reports that 768 individuals sustained injuries, while more than 622,000 have been affected in varying degrees. Chido hit the country with winds reaching 260 km/h (160 mph) and unleashed 250 mm of rainfall within its initial 24 hours.

Tropical cyclones pose a significant threat in East Africa, particularly in Mozambique, which frequently experiences such weather events. Cyclone Chido first impacted Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, before continuing towards Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. This cyclone especially affected northern provinces like Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula, which are already vulnerable to extreme weather. The INGD emphasizes the cyclone’s devastating impact on the education and health sectors, with noticeable disruptions to infrastructure and services.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has resulted in severe human loss and extensive damage to infrastructure in Mozambique, further highlighting the region’s vulnerability to severe weather exacerbated by climate change. The government’s mobilization of resources aims to address the immediate needs of those affected. With rising temperatures influencing the intensity of such storms, the need for improved resilience and planning to mitigate future impacts is increasingly urgent.

Original Source: www.bbc.com