Death Toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique Reaches 120 Amid Widespread Destruction
Cyclone Chido has claimed 120 lives and injured 868 in northern Mozambique, severely affecting over 680,000 people and leading to extensive destruction of infrastructure. The national disaster relief agency reports significant damage to homes, schools, and health facilities, prompting government response efforts to assist displaced individuals.
As of December 24, the death toll from Cyclone Chido in northern Mozambique has risen to 120 individuals, alongside 868 reported injuries and over 680,000 people affected by the disaster, as stated by the national disaster relief agency. The cyclone, which made landfall on December 15, unleashed severe storms and heavy rainfall, devastating regions including Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. More than 123,000 families have faced hardships, with a staggering 140,000 houses either partially or completely destroyed, exacerbating the plight of nearly 110,000 school-age children in the region.
In addition, the cyclone obliterated over 150,000 homes, inflicted damage on 250 schools, 89 public buildings, and 52 health facilities. In response to the resulting displacement, the government has established two emergency shelters currently accommodating 1,349 individuals, as reported by Xinhua news agency. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) highlighted the profound impact of the cyclone on sectors such as education and health, emphasizing the urgent need for resilient infrastructure amid the challenges posed by climate change.
Having originated as a tropical storm over the southwestern Indian Ocean on December 5, Cyclone Chido previously impacted Mayotte, a French overseas territory, before wreaking havoc in Mozambique. The government, along with international humanitarian organizations, is actively seeking assistance to address the urgent needs of the affected populations and mitigate the disaster’s long-term consequences.
Cyclone Chido serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters faced by vulnerable communities around the world. Tropical cyclones are characterized by low atmospheric pressure and result in significant wind patterns and precipitation, often leading to devastating flooding and destruction. The existing social infrastructure in affected regions often struggles to withstand such extreme weather events, underscoring the critical need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilience strategies.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on northern Mozambique, with a death toll of 120 and substantial destruction affecting over 680,000 individuals. The severe losses in housing, education, and healthcare highlight an urgent call for improved infrastructure and disaster management practices. Support from the government and international organizations remains crucial in addressing the ongoing needs of affected communities and fostering resilience against future climate events.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
