In a devastating turn of events, Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage across northern Mozambique, claiming the lives of 120 individuals and injuring 868 more. The intense tropical cyclone made landfall in regions including Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, bringing with it heavy downpours, powerful storms, and flooding.
According to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), the cyclone has destroyed or partially damaged over 150,000 homes. Educational and healthcare infrastructures have not been spared, with 250 schools, 89 public buildings, and 52 health facilities reported damaged. Nearly 110,000 students are now grappling with disrupted education due to the cyclone's impact.
In response to the widespread displacement, the Mozambican government has established two emergency shelters, currently accommodating 1,349 people. The urgency of rebuilding and providing support to affected communities is paramount as the nation begins to assess the full scope of the devastation.
INGD emphasized the profound impact of Cyclone Chido on critical sectors in a recent social media post. \"Cyclone Chido once again highlights the vulnerability of social infrastructure to climate change and the need for resilient planning to mitigate future impacts,\" the post stated.
Cyclone Chido originated over the southwestern Indian Ocean on December 5. After causing significant destruction in Mayotte, a French overseas territory, it continued its path to mainland Mozambique, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake since making landfall on December 15.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
