Mozambique’s Death Toll from Cyclone Chido Rises to 94 Amid Recovery Efforts
Mozambique has increased the death toll from Cyclone Chido to 94 as cleanup efforts commence following the cyclone’s devastating landfall. The storm also affected Mayotte, where the death toll is uncertain but feared to rise. Additionally, Malawi reported casualties as the cyclone weakened after crossing Mozambique’s territory.
Mozambique has officially updated the death toll from Tropical Cyclone Chido to 94 as recovery efforts proceed in the aftermath of the catastrophic storm. The cyclone, which reached a category four classification, wreaked havoc across the west Indian Ocean before making landfall in Mozambique, causing substantial destruction. According to the country’s disaster management agency, the toll rose from an initial count of 76 to 94, which reflects the extent of human and infrastructural losses resulting from the storm.
In addition to Mozambique, the cyclone significantly impacted the French island of Mayotte, where authorities are still assessing the situation and fear that their death toll may increase, particularly among undocumented migrants living in the areas hardest hit. Initial reports indicated 35 fatalities and 2,500 injuries in Mayotte. With the cyclone producing winds up to 260 kilometers per hour and 250 millimeters of rain in a single day, it devastated approximately 110,000 homes in Mozambique, leaving an estimated 500,000 individuals affected in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
Moreover, while Mozambique grapples with the repercussions of Cyclone Chido, the nation also faces challenges stemming from recent electoral unrest, which has resulted in at least 130 fatalities related to protests against President Daniel Chapo’s electoral victory. Meanwhile, following its impact on Mozambique, the cyclone proceeded into Malawi, where it caused additional casualties, claiming 13 lives and injuring nearly 30 individuals.
Tropical Cyclone Chido, which intensified into one of the strongest storms in recent history, has left a trail of devastation in both Mozambique and the French territory of Mayotte. Experts have attributed the cyclone’s intensity to anthropogenic climate change, which exacerbates weather patterns and increases the severity of natural disasters. Mozambique’s disaster management efforts have been challenged not only by the storm’s aftermath but also by ongoing political instability, complicating recovery initiatives and humanitarian response.
In conclusion, the revised death toll of 94 in Mozambique underscores the profound impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which continues to challenge recovery efforts amid existing political unrest. While Mayotte’s situation remains precarious, concerns regarding undocumented migrants may further complicate humanitarian assistance. As the region moves forward, the lessons learned from such disasters will be critical in addressing the interconnected issues of climate change and governance in Southern Africa.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
