Cyclone Chido Leaves Destruction in Mozambique, Killing at Least 34

Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique, resulting in at least 34 fatalities and 43 injuries. The cyclone devastated several areas, particularly in Cabo Delgado, affecting approximately 2.5 million people. Ongoing rescue and recovery efforts are complicated by the storm’s remnants, which continue to cause heavy rainfall and strong winds.

A devastating impact was felt in Mozambique as Cyclone Chido barreled through the northern provinces, leaving behind at least 34 casualties and injuring 43 individuals. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction reported that an estimated 2.5 million people were affected by the cyclone. Rescue operations are ongoing, with preliminary reports indicating significant destruction, particularly in Cabo Delgado, where near-total devastation was observed, especially in the capital city of Pemba. According to eyewitness accounts, the cyclone wreaked havoc on residential structures, with one survivor describing how the storm dismantled his home overnight.

The cyclone made landfall in the Mecufi district and caused widespread chaos, with reports indicating that virtually every home sustained damage. Meteorologists have advised that the remnants of Cyclone Chido continue to unleash heavy rains and strong winds in the regions of Niassa and Cabo Delgado, highlighting the ongoing threat to the populace. The cyclone also affected neighboring regions, including Malawi and the island of Mayotte, and is anticipated to dissipate over Zimbabwe by late Tuesday.

Cyclone Chido is part of a worrying trend of increased climate-related disasters affecting Mozambique, which ranks among the nations most vulnerable to climate change. The rainy season, occurring from October to April, often brings tropical cyclones and severe flooding, exacerbating already precarious living conditions. Experts are particularly concerned about the potential for increased storm frequency and intensity due to the anticipated La Nina conditions in southern Africa, expected to bring about escalated rainfall and cyclones in the coming years.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has led to tragic loss of life and significant destruction in northern Mozambique, with current estimates indicating a profound impact on millions of residents. Ongoing climatic challenges accentuated by global warming suggest that such events may become increasingly frequent. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and robust climate adaptation strategies in Mozambique and across the affected regions.

Original Source: www.voanews.com