Mozambique has increased the death toll from Tropical Cyclone Chido to 94, alongside significant destruction affecting 620,000 people. The cyclone also impacted the French island territory of Mayotte, where authorities expect the death toll to rise. The situation in Mozambique is further complicated by unrest following controversial election results, adding to the humanitarian crisis precipitated by the storm.
Mozambique’s death toll from Tropical Cyclone Chido has been revised upwards to 94 as the nation continues the clean-up following the devastating storm. The cyclone, which intensified to a category four, wreaked havoc across the West Indian Ocean last week, particularly impacting Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province where wind gusts reached 260 kilometers per hour and rainfall totaled 250 millimeters in a single day. Approximately 620,000 people were affected, emphasizing the cyclone’s extensive destructive impact, with 110,000 homes reportedly destroyed post-landfall.
The disaster has compounded an already challenging situation in Mozambique, where the country is grappling with tensions stemming from a contentious election process. Protests related to alleged electoral fraud have resulted in at least 130 additional fatalities, thus exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, in the French territory of Mayotte, authorities, still assessing the situation, have reported 35 deaths thus far, although conditions may lead to an increased toll due to many undocumented migrants residing in vulnerable areas.
The recent devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido highlights the increasing severity of climate-related disasters in Southern Africa, exacerbated by climate change influences. Cyclones in this region have historically posed significant threats, affecting thousands of lives and livelihoods. Mozambique, particularly susceptible to such natural events, has been challenged by ongoing political strife and an electoral crisis that further complicates disaster response and recovery efforts. The cyclone’s aftermath exhibits the urgent need for resilience measures against both natural disasters and socio-political instability.
In conclusion, the revision of Mozambique’s death toll to 94 underscores the severe impact of Cyclone Chido and its disastrous effects on the country. The cyclone’s devastation has left a trail of destruction, affecting hundreds of thousands and compounding the challenges faced by a nation already struggling with a political crisis. As recovery efforts persist, the international community must consider the implications of climate change in the frequency and intensity of such storms, and provide the necessary support to affected regions.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
