Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Malawi, Killing 13 and Displacing Thousands

Cyclone Chido has resulted in 13 deaths in Malawi, affecting 45,000 people following its destructive path through Mayotte and Mozambique, where it claimed multiple lives. In Malawi, despite its diminished strength, the cyclone caused significant injuries and displacement among the populace.

Cyclone Chido, after wreaking havoc in France’s Mayotte archipelago, has now tragically resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals in Malawi. According to the country’s disaster management agency, while the storm decreased in intensity during its inland journey—spanning over 500 kilometers—it still caused substantial destruction. As it impacted Malawi on a recent Monday, nearly 30 people sustained injuries, and approximately 45,000 individuals were adversely affected. The cyclone particularly hit Blantyre, Malawi’s second-largest city, which had an estimated population of 800,000 in 2018.

The Malawi Department of Disaster Management Affairs reported, “Out of the 10,159 affected households, 227 people have been displaced.” Malawi is classified as one of the poorest nations globally, with around 71 percent of its populace living in extreme poverty, as noted by World Bank statistics. Chido’s path of destruction has not been limited to Malawi; it claimed 31 lives and injured over 1,000 in Mayotte. In Mozambique, the storm has resulted in a minimum of 45 fatalities and nearly 500 people injured, according to local reports.

Cyclone Chido is part of a series of tropical storms that have occurred in the Indian Ocean region, particularly affecting eastern African nations. As climatic changes intensify the occurrence of such weather events, the ramifications on vulnerable populations in countries like Malawi, Mozambique, and Mayotte are of significant concern. The devastation caused by such typhoons often exacerbates existing hardships, particularly in impoverished regions where infrastructure may not withstand such calamities. Understanding the socioeconomic context is crucial in addressing the aftermath and providing aid to the afflicted.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted considerable human and infrastructural damage across several countries, notably Malawi, where it has resulted in 13 fatalities and left many displaced. The broader impact is seen in neighboring regions such as Mozambique and Mayotte, stressing the escalating risks posed by climate-related disasters, especially to poorer nations. Continued international assistance and focused disaster preparedness efforts are imperative for affected communities to recover and rebuild.

Original Source: www.barrons.com