Cyclone Chido Claims 94 Lives in Mozambique Amid Ongoing Political Unrest
Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in Mozambique, with the death toll reaching 94 and approximately 620,000 affected. The hardest-hit region is Cabo Delgado, where severe winds and rainfall occurred. The cyclone’s effects have worsened amid ongoing political unrest in the country, prompting calls for aid to support the victims.
The death toll in Mozambique due to Cyclone Chido has tragically risen to 94, as reported by the nation’s disaster management agency. Last week, Cyclone Chido made landfall, causing extensive destruction, primarily in the Mayotte archipelago, with Mozambique suffering significant impacts as well. The northern province of Cabo Delgado was particularly hard-hit, experiencing fierce winds reaching 260 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall of 250 millimeters in just one day. Approximately 620,000 individuals have been affected by the cyclone, with more than 500,000 residing in Cabo Delgado. Experts attribute the severity of the storm and its consequences to human-induced climate change.
In addition to the devastation caused by the cyclone, Cabo Delgado is already grappling with ongoing political instability. This region, which frequently endures tropical storms, is also the epicenter of a protracted Islamist insurgency. The impact of Cyclone Chido coincides with a period of political turmoil in Mozambique following post-election violence that claimed at least 130 lives, triggered by contentious elections that saw ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo declared the winner—a result criticized by the opposition as fraudulent. Mr. Chapo visited the disaster-stricken areas on Sunday and called on citizens to contribute food and clothing to those affected, urging, “Even if we are using them, our brothers need them.”
The situation in Mozambique is dire, and immediate international support is needed to assist those impacted by Cyclone Chido and ongoing political challenges. Both humanitarian aid and long-term solutions to climate resilience and stability in Cabo Delgado will be essential for recovery and future preparedness against such natural disasters.
Cyclone Chido has struck Mozambique, leading to devastating loss of life and property. Cyclones are common in the region, particularly in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, which is already battling an Islamist insurgency. The intersection of recent political unrest and natural disaster has compounded the challenges facing Mozambique. Furthermore, the influence of climate change on such intense weather events has become a growing concern among experts, necessitating urgent attention to environmental issues in the region.
In summary, the rising death toll from Cyclone Chido exemplifies the vulnerabilities faced by Mozambique due to both extreme weather and political instability. With hundreds of thousands affected, immediate humanitarian efforts are crucial, as the nation grapples with ongoing unrest in the aftermath of contentious elections. Addressing the dual crises of disaster response and political stability will be paramount for Mozambique’s future resilience against such calamities.
Original Source: www.dw.com
