Death Toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique Reaches 94 as Recovery Challenges Persist.

Cyclone Chido has claimed at least 94 lives and injured 768 individuals in northern Mozambique. Over 123,000 families have been affected, and significant infrastructure damage has been reported. President Filipe Nyusi has declared a two-day national mourning in response to the disaster, while authorities seek support for recovery efforts.

The recent assessment by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) reveals a significant increase in the death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique, now standing at 94, with injuries affecting 768 individuals. The cyclone, which made landfall on December 15, unleashed severe rains and storms, resulting in extensive devastation across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The storm has affected over 123,000 families, translating to approximately 622,610 individuals, and has damaged over 140,000 homes, severely impacting communities across the region.

In particular, the disaster has had dire consequences for public infrastructure, with a reported 250 schools, 89 government buildings, and 52 health facilities sustaining damage. Agricultural lands have also been flooded, aggravating the pre-existing vulnerabilities in the affected regions. To support those impacted, the INGD has initiated two accommodation centers, currently sheltering 1,349 displaced individuals. Despite these efforts, the magnitude of the disaster has created significant hurdles for recovery and ongoing humanitarian assistance.

In light of this tragedy, President Filipe Nyusi addressed the nation in a televised speech from the Presidential Palace, announcing a two-day period of national mourning and extending condolences to the families of the deceased and all affected by the cyclone. The government and various international humanitarian organizations continue to seek support to meet the urgent needs of the impacted communities.

Cyclone Chido recently struck northern Mozambique, bringing catastrophic weather conditions that have led to extensive loss of life and significant property damage. Cyclones are a recurring threat in the region, and Cyclone Chido’s impact underscores the fragile nature of infrastructure and community resilience in Mozambique, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events. The disaster underscores the necessity for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, as well as international support for recovery efforts.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across northern Mozambique, resulting in a tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. With the death toll at 94 and thousands injured, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources. The government and international organizations are urgently appealing for assistance to support recovery and provide essential aid to those affected. The national mourning declared by President Filipe Nyusi marks a somber acknowledgment of the tragedy that has befallen the nation.

Original Source: www.shine.cn