Mozambique Updates Death Toll to 94 Following Tropical Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido has led to a revised death toll of 94 in Mozambique, with extensive damage reported across the region. The cyclone previously impacted Mayotte, increasing concerns over humanitarian crises involving undocumented migrants. As the storm moves into Malawi, it highlights the urgent need for better disaster management amid rising climate risks.

Mozambique has revised the death toll from Tropical Cyclone Chido to 94, a significant increase from the previous count of 76. The country’s disaster management agency announced this figure as recovery efforts continue following the storm’s devastating impact in the region. The cyclone had initially struck the French island territory of Mayotte before making landfall in Mozambique, where it destroyed approximately 110,000 homes and affected over 620,000 residents.

The cyclone reached a category four strength, with winds peaking at 260 kilometers per hour. The northern province of Cabo Delgado suffered extensively from the storm, which also deposited an alarming 250 millimeters of rain in just one day. Authorities have indicated that most of those affected are concentrated in this province. The cyclone has also been linked to intensified climate change effects, underlining the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities.

In the aftermath of this natural disaster, Mozambique is grappling with further challenges, including a deadly political crisis stemming from alleged electoral fraud, which has already resulted in significant unrest and fatalities. Current reports indicate at least 130 deaths from protest-related violence following the contentious presidential election won by Daniel Chapo.

The situation remains precarious in the French territory of Mayotte, where authorities have reported 35 fatalities and 2,500 injuries, but concerns linger regarding undocumented migrants whose plights might exacerbate the casualty figures. President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism following his response to hecklers during a visit to survey the cyclone’s damage, igniting political controversy in France.

As Cyclone Chido progressed, it also impacted Malawi, resulting in 13 confirmed deaths and numerous injuries, although reports suggest it had lost significant strength by this stage. The wave of destruction serves as a reminder of the catastrophic potential of increasingly severe weather events, reinforcing calls for enhanced climate crisis mitigation strategies.

Tropical Cyclone Chido, which recently struck regions of southern Africa, highlights the growing intensity and frequency of weather-related disasters, potentially exacerbated by climate change. The cyclone began its rampage in the west Indian Ocean, affecting territories such as Mayotte and later impacting Mozambique and Malawi. In Mozambique, authorities reported extensive infrastructural damage and significant casualties, further complicating an already tense political landscape marked by disputes over electoral integrity.

The revision of the death toll in Mozambique following Tropical Cyclone Chido underscores the devastating impact of natural disasters, particularly as communities already face socio-political challenges. With increasing casualties reported in surrounding territories, including Mayotte and Malawi, the cyclone raises urgent questions about disaster preparedness and climate resilience amidst a backdrop of human-driven climate change. Regions affected by such cyclones will need adequate support and strategic interventions to mitigate future risks.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au