The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has reached 94, with significant impacts reported in Cabo Delgado province, exacerbated by human-driven climate change. The cyclone affected approximately 620,000 people, highlighting ongoing political unrest following recent elections. Presidential candidate Daniel Chapo has called for aid contributions to victims as the nation grapples with recovery efforts.
The recent toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has tragically escalated to 94 fatalities, as reported by the nation’s disaster management agency. This powerful cyclone made landfall in Mozambique just over a week prior, primarily devastating the Mayotte archipelago, while Mozambique experienced significant impacts, especially in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. The cyclone unleashed winds exceeding 160 miles per hour and unleashed approximately 10 inches of rainfall within a single day, affecting around 620,000 residents, with more than half of this number concentrated in Cabo Delgado.
Experts attribute the intensified effects of Cyclone Chido, including its unusual strength, to climate change, which has been linked to human activities. Concurrently, the region faces challenges from a longstanding Islamist insurgency, complicating recovery efforts. In the wake of this disaster, political unrest stemming from recent election-related violence, where at least 130 individuals lost their lives, persists in Mozambique. Following the elections, Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate from the ruling Frelimo party, visited the impacted areas, emphasizing the need for solidarity.
Chapo urged citizens to contribute food and clothing to assist cyclone victims stating, “Even if we are using them, our brothers need them.” His administration’s policies and election have drawn criticism, with the opposition denouncing the results as fraudulent, intensifying divisions in the already fragile socio-political landscape of Mozambique.
Cyclone Chido has encountered Mozambique during a period where the nation grapples with multiple challenges, including natural disasters exacerbated by climate change and political upheaval. The Cabo Delgado province, frequently subjected to tropical storms, is not only recovering from Cyclone Chido’s destruction but is also hindered by ongoing violence from an insurgency that has affected the region for years. The recent elections have further complicated the situation, prompting civil unrest as various groups contest the legitimacy of leadership and governance.
The consequences of Cyclone Chido in Mozambique underscore the dual crises of natural disaster and political instability. As the nation continues to mourn the loss of life and recover from the storm’s devastation, the need for humanitarian assistance and community resilience remains paramount. The call for solidarity by political leaders reflects an urgent appeal for national unity amidst turmoil and an acknowledgment of the broader implications of climate change on such disasters.
Original Source: www.dw.com
