Cyclone Chido Causes Tragedy in Malawi: 13 Lives Lost and 45,000 Affected

Cyclone Chido has resulted in 13 deaths and affected 45,000 people in Malawi after previously striking Mayotte and Mozambique. The storm caused injuries and significant displacement, stressing the urgency of enhanced disaster response in the region.

Cyclone Chido has tragically claimed the lives of 13 individuals in Malawi and impacted approximately 45,000 people following its devastating course through the Mayotte archipelago and Mozambique. The storm, which lost intensity as it advanced over 500 kilometers inland, injured nearly 30 individuals during its passage across Malawi on Monday, particularly affecting the city of Blantyre, home to around 800,000 residents in 2018. The Malawi Department of Disaster Management Affairs reported that of the 10,159 households affected, 227 individuals have been displaced.

Malawi is recognized as one of the poorest nations globally, with 71 percent of its population living in extreme poverty, according to the World Bank. The recent destruction wrought by Cyclone Chido is compounded by the broader context of vulnerability and economic challenges faced by the country. The cyclone initially caused significant fatalities and injuries in Mayotte, where authorities reported 31 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries, before continuing its path of destruction into Mozambique, resulting in at least 45 fatalities and additional injuries.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact across several regions, particularly in Malawi, where it has exacerbated existing challenges faced by one of the world’s poorest countries. The loss of life and extensive damage underlines the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to support affected communities. As the situation develops, attention must be directed not only toward recovery efforts but also toward long-term resilience building in vulnerable regions.

Original Source: www.barrons.com