Cyclone Chido’s Death Toll in Mozambique Reaches 120; Widespread Damage Reported

Cyclone Chido has escalated the death toll in Mozambique to 120, with nearly 900 injuries reported. The category 4 storm made landfall on December 15, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The impact of the cyclone extended to multiple countries in the region, including Mayotte, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) reports that the death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to 120. The cyclone, classified as a category 4, reached land on December 15, unleashing formidable winds of 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph) and dumping 250 mm of rainfall within the first 24 hours. In addition to the fatalities, nearly 900 individuals have sustained injuries as a result of the disaster. The cyclone has significantly affected various infrastructures, including homes, schools, and health care facilities, leaving many homeless and in distress.

The storm initially impacted the French overseas territory of Mayotte on December 14, where winds soared above 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph), causing substantial destruction and significant loss of life, with an official record reporting 35 fatalities. However, some organizations estimate the actual figures to be considerably higher. The devastating effects of Cyclone Chido extended beyond Mozambique, affecting regions in Madagascar, Comoros, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, where it claimed 13 lives and injured 29 individuals, with considerable damage to homes and infrastructure reported.

Cyclone Chido is one of the latest tropical storms to impact southeastern Africa, a region known for its vulnerability to extreme weather events. Tropical cyclones often bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall, leading to widespread damage, loss of life, and humanitarian crises. The increasing frequency and intensity of such storms can be attributed to climate changes, raising concerns for preparedness and disaster management capabilities in regions prone to such natural disasters. The storm’s passage through various territories signifies the interconnectedness of weather patterns across nations and highlights ongoing challenges in disaster response and recovery efforts.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in Mozambique, leading to a tragic increase in the death toll and numerous injuries, impacting critical infrastructures and leaving many residents without homes. The storm’s reach has affected several neighboring regions, reflecting the severe implications of natural disasters within the southeastern African region. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess the extensive damage caused by this catastrophic event, emphasizing the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilience strategies moving forward.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr