Cyclone Chido Exposes Mozambique’s Vulnerability: A Crisis Deepened by Inequality and Underfunding
Mozambique Citizens after the passing of Cyclone Chido, Dec 2024 Photo: UN News
December 17, 2024 Hour: 9:37 pm
The death toll from Cyclone Chido continues to rise, highlighting the devastating impact of climate change on already vulnerable populations in northern Mozambique.
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Cyclone Chido Devastates Northern Mozambique: More than 45 Dead and Thousands Affected
The latest figures from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD) report at least 45 deaths and 503 injuries, affecting an estimated 263,000 people. This grim number represents a significant increase from previous reports, with the death toll particularly high in Mecúfi district of Cabo Delgado province, where “all public and private infrastructure has lost its roofs and most have wall damage,” according to INGD president Luísa Meque.
The tragedy underscores the deep inequalities within Mozambique. While the official death toll stands at 45, the true figure may be far higher, with the INGD acknowledging the difficulty of assessing damage in the vast affected area. The fact that Mecúfi, a likely already impoverished area, suffered such catastrophic damage speaks volumes about the uneven distribution of resources and resilience in the face of extreme weather events.
The situation is further exacerbated by chronic underfunding. Mozambique’s Contingency Plan for the 2024/2025 rainy season faces a staggering $140 million deficit. Meque’s lament – “How are we going to start rebuilding these destroyed infrastructures?” – reflects the stark reality of a nation struggling to cope with the consequences of climate change while grappling with existing socioeconomic inequalities. This lack of funding leaves communities exposed and hinders effective disaster response and recovery efforts.
The crisis in Cabo Delgado is further compounded by ongoing jihadist insurgency, hindering access to affected areas and complicating relief efforts. This situation highlights the interconnectedness of various challenges facing the region, where climate change impacts disproportionately affect already vulnerable populations struggling with conflict and poverty.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: EFE-Africanews
