Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Malawi, Leading to Deaths and Displacement
Tropical Cyclone Chido caused the deaths of at least seven people in Malawi, with over 30,000 impacted. The storm damaged roofs of schools and health facilities, leading to approximately 34,741 individuals affected. Following its landfall in Mozambique, Chido passed through Malawi as a moderate storm, causing additional flooding. Relief efforts are underway to assist those affected.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in Malawi, resulting in the death of at least seven individuals and impacting over 30,000 others, as reported by disaster officials. The preliminary assessment from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs revealed that the storm damaged roofs of various facilities, including schools and health centers. Specifically, Salima district recorded three fatalities, while Kasungu, Machinga, Blantyre, and Lilongwe each experienced one death. In total, 7,721 households comprising approximately 34,741 individuals were affected, with reports of 16 injuries also noted.
The cyclone, formed northeast of Madagascar, made landfall near Nacala, Mozambique, where it inflicted substantial damage. A report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicated that over 174,000 individuals were affected in Mozambique, and around 64,000 in the Comoros archipelago, with thousands of homes destroyed. The remnants of Chido passed through Malawi on Monday as a moderate storm, resulting in heavy rainfall and flooding across 17 districts, predominantly in the southern region.
Lucy Mtilatila, the director of the Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, stated the storm had dissipated. She mentioned, “Our eyes are on the Indian Ocean in case there will be another development. But so far, so good.” Following the storm’s impact, school classes were reinstated after a temporary suspension for safety measures, and the disaster agency retracted all search and rescue teams previously sent to vulnerable areas. The agency is now collaborating with humanitarian partners to organize relief efforts for the affected households.
Storms and tropical cyclones are significant weather phenomena that can have devastating impacts on communities, particularly in coastal and low-lying regions. In the case of Cyclone Chido, its formation and path through the Indian Ocean demonstrated the vulnerability of East African nations to natural disasters. Malawi has experienced challenges from extreme weather events in the past, leading to economic disruption and humanitarian crises, particularly affecting agriculture and infrastructure. The recent storm, which took place shortly after landfall in Mozambique, highlights the interconnectedness of these nations in facing natural disasters, as well as the importance of disaster preparedness and response.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a tragic impact on Malawi, resulting in fatalities and significant disruptions to the lives of many residents. With over 30,000 individuals affected and substantial damage to infrastructure, the response from government and humanitarian organizations will be crucial in providing necessary relief. As observed by meteorological officials, the ongoing monitoring of weather developments remains essential for the safety and preparedness of the region against future storms.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
