Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Mozambique, Leaving 34 Dead

Cyclone Chido has caused at least 34 fatalities and injured 43 others in northern Mozambique, impacting 2.5 million people. The cyclone inflicted severe damage in Cabo Delgado province, with reports of near-total destruction in affected districts and continued hazardous weather conditions across the region.

Cyclone Chido has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 34 individuals and left 43 others injured following its impact on three northern provinces of Mozambique on Sunday and Monday. Preliminary assessments from Luisa Meque, head of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, indicate that approximately 2.5 million people have been affected by the cyclone. The destruction was particularly severe in several districts of Cabo Delgado, including the capital city of Pemba, where considerable infrastructural damage has been reported.

The cyclone initially made landfall in Mecufi, a district in Cabo Delgado, causing near-total devastation where nearly all homes were damaged and only a few structures remain standing. Canjar Amade recounted his harrowing experience, stating that the strong winds destroyed his home, even stripping it of its roof during the night, which ultimately led to its collapse.

Meteorologist Acacio Tembe has indicated that the provinces of Niassa and Cabo Delgado, along with other regions of Mozambique, are continuing to experience the effects of the storm, including heavy rainfall and strong winds from its remnants. The cyclone also impacted Malawi and the island of Mayotte, with forecasts suggesting that it will dissipate near Zimbabwe by late Tuesday.

Mozambique is among the countries severely affected by climate change, facing challenges during the rainy season that spans from October to April. Experts warn that the potential La Niña effect anticipated in southern Africa for early 2025 may lead to increased frequency and intensity of heavy rains and tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean, exacerbating flood risks in regions currently enduring drought conditions.

Cyclone Chido is a devastating weather event that has significantly impacted Mozambique, a country often experiencing the adverse effects of climate change. The region faces cyclical floods and tropical cyclones, particularly during the rainy season from October to April. Mozambique is vulnerable to such disasters, which are expected to increase in frequency and severity due to climatic shifts, including phenomena like La Niña. This catastrophic event underscores the grave implications of climate change on vulnerable populations in Southern Africa.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage and loss of life in northern Mozambique, affecting millions and exemplifying the climatic challenges facing the region. The full extent of the destruction continues to unfold as rescue and recovery efforts proceed. As Mozambique grapples with the aftermath, the importance of addressing climate change and disaster preparedness becomes increasingly critical to safeguarding communities against future natural disasters.

Original Source: www.voanews.com