Cyclone Chido Wreaks Havoc in Mozambique
Cyclone Chido has claimed 94 lives in Mozambique since making landfall last week, officials have confirmed.
The BBC reports that the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) reported that 768 people were injured, while over 622,000 were affected in some way by the powerful storm. The cyclone hit the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula with wind speeds of 260 km/h (160mph) and an astonishing 250mm of rainfall within 24 hours.
“The destruction is overwhelming,” said Daniel Chapo, leader of Mozambique’s ruling party. “We are mobilising support on all levels to help communities recover.”
Chapo visited Cabo Delgado, one of the hardest-hit areas, on Sunday. He assured residents that the government was working with INGD to rebuild infrastructure in affected provinces like Mecúfi, Memba, and Niassa.
Impact on Education and Health Services
The cyclone’s devastation has extended to Mozambique’s education and health sectors. The INGD revealed that over 109,793 students were affected due to significant damage to school facilities.
In addition, 52 sanitary units were destroyed, further limiting access to essential health services in areas where such access was already scarce.
“This cyclone highlights once again the vulnerability of our social infrastructure to climate change,” the INGD said in a statement. “Resilient planning is critical to mitigate future impacts.”
Tragedy in Mayotte
Cyclone Chido first unleashed destruction in Mayotte, the French Indian Ocean territory, before advancing to Mozambique.
The interior ministry reported 35 fatalities in Mayotte but warned that the death toll could rise significantly.
“We expect the figure to increase to several hundred, possibly even thousands, as we continue to assess the damage,” said Mayotte’s prefect.
More than 1,300 officers have been deployed to assist residents in the aftermath. Basic necessities remain scarce, although efforts are underway to restore running water.
To support recovery efforts, an air bridge has been established between Mayotte, Reunion, and mainland France. “Around 100 tonnes of equipment are being delivered daily,” said interior minister Bruno Retailleau, who noted that 80 tonnes of food and 50 tonnes of water were distributed on Friday alone.
Call for Climate Action
The UN’s climate body, the IPCC, has noted with “high confidence” that human activities have contributed to increased precipitation in tropical cyclones. There is also “medium confidence” that human activity has raised the probability of more intense storms.
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The post Cyclone Chido Ravages Mozambique, Leaves 94 Dead appeared first on iHarare News.
