Cyclone Chido: Death Toll in Mozambique Rises to 120 Amid Widespread Destruction
Cyclone Chido has increased Mozambique’s death toll to 120, with nearly 900 injured. The storm hit on December 15, damaging homes, schools, and health centers. Originally striking Mayotte, Chido’s effects were also felt in Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, where fatalities and injuries were reported.
The catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido has resulted in an increase in the death toll in Mozambique, now reported at 120, as indicated by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). This powerful storm, classified as a category 4 cyclone, made landfall on December 15, unleashing wind speeds of 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph) along with significant rainfall. Approximately 900 individuals have sustained injuries, and numerous homes and vital infrastructure, including schools and health centers, have suffered extensive damage.
Prior to affecting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido struck the French overseas territory of Mayotte on December 14. The storm generated winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph), causing widespread destruction. Reports from Mayotte indicate an official death toll of 35, while some organizations estimate that the actual figure may be considerably higher. The cyclone’s devastating effects have rippled through neighboring regions, including Madagascar, Comoros, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, with the latter reporting 13 fatalities and substantial injury figures, along with considerable damage to homes and infrastructure.
Cyclone Chido represents a severe natural disaster affecting several countries in Southern Africa. As a category 4 tropical cyclone, it poses significant risks to life and property. In Mozambique, the ongoing challenges of recovery illustrate the cyclone’s enduring impact on communities, particularly in terms of needed shelter and medical services. The cyclone’s initial approach began with its landfall in Mayotte and quickly escalated to devastating effects in other regions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of atmospheric phenomena and humanitarian outcomes.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has proven to be a tragic event with severe implications for Mozambique and surrounding regions, raising the death toll substantially. The combination of high winds, heavy rainfall, and infrastructural damage underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts. The cyclone exemplifies the broader climate-related challenges facing nations susceptible to extreme weather events, necessitating international cooperation and commitment to disaster preparedness strategies.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
