Cyclone Chido devastates Mozambique and Malawi: Death toll rises to 86
Although the cyclone has weakened as it moves toward Zimbabwe, damage is still being assessed, and there are fears that the number of casualties may increase as rescue teams reach more remote areas. Dec 18, 2024 Photo: EFE
December 18, 2024 Hour: 4:09 pm
Malawi has also suffered the consequences of the cyclone, with 13 confirmed deaths and 45,162 people affected. Local authorities report that many individuals have had to leave their homes due to the devastation.
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Cyclone Chido Exposes Mozambique’s Vulnerability: A Crisis Deepened by Inequality and Underfunding
The tragedy has unfolded in northern Mozambique and Malawi following the passage of Cyclone Chido, which has left a devastating toll of at least 86 dead and more than 600 wounded, according to reports from local authorities and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
This natural phenomenon, which touched down last Sunday with winds reaching 120 kilometers per hour, has caused significant havoc in the affected communities. In Mozambique, the situation is particularly serious in Cabo Delgado province, where 65 deaths have been reported.
Bonifácio António, a technician at the National Institute for Disaster Reduction and Risk Management (INGD), confirmed that 73 deaths have been recorded so far, along with tens of thousands of houses destroyed. In the Mecúfi district, one of the most affected areas, authorities report 50 deaths and about 16,000 families impacted.
Malawi has also suffered the consequences of the cyclone, with 13 confirmed deaths and 45,162 people affected. Local authorities report that many individuals have had to leave their homes due to the devastation.
Although the cyclone has weakened as it moves toward Zimbabwe, damage is still being assessed, and there are fears that the number of casualties may increase as rescue teams reach more remote areas. Fernando Neves, administrator of the Mecúfi district, warned that the numbers could rise as assessments are conducted in more isolated communities.
The passage of Cyclone Chido, originating in the southeast Indian Ocean basin, has left a trail of destruction in its path. This situation highlights not only the vulnerability of these regions to extreme climatic phenomena but also the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for the thousands of affected families.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: EFE
