Storm Chido caused at least seven deaths and affected more than 30,000 people in Malawi, with significant damage reported across various districts. The cyclone also impacted Mozambique and the Comoros Islands, leading to widespread home destruction. Relief efforts are underway to support those affected, and education has resumed in the region.
The recent storm, named Chido, has tragically claimed the lives of at least seven individuals in Malawi, causing significant disruptions for over 30,000 people, according to disaster management officials. Preliminary reports from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs revealed that numerous roofs were torn off schools, health facilities, and residential buildings. Affected households amounted to 7,721, impacting 34,741 individuals, with fatalities reported in Salima, Kasungu, Machinga, Blantyre, and Lilongwe districts. Furthermore, injuries totaling sixteen were recorded.
Tropical Cyclone Chido, which originated northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, made landfall in Nacala, Mozambique, where it wreaked considerable havoc. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted that Chido affected 174,000 individuals in Mozambique, along with 64,000 in the Comoros Islands, resulting in thousands of devastated homes.
On its passage through Malawi, the remnants of Chido, now categorized as a moderate tropical storm, unleashed heavy rainfall and flooding across approximately 17 districts, predominantly in the southern region. Lucy Mtilatila, the director of the Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, noted that the storm has now dissipated, assuring stakeholders of continued monitoring for potential future weather developments.
Educational activities, which were initially suspended as a safety precaution, have since resumed. The disaster agency, in conjunction with various humanitarian partners, is actively coordinating relief efforts to support those affected households, with search and rescue operations having been concluded in high-risk areas.
Tropical Cyclone Chido originated northeast of Madagascar and made landfall in Nacala, Mozambique, before affecting Malawi. This sequence of events highlights the vulnerability of regions prone to tropical storms, particularly in southern Africa. The destruction caused by Chido emphasizes the need for effective disaster management and emergency preparedness strategies to mitigate risks associated with such natural disasters. The collaborative efforts of various agencies in providing relief ensure a coordinated response to such crises, reflecting the importance of community resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
In summary, Storm Chido has had a devastating impact in Malawi, leading to seven reported fatalities and affecting over 30,000 individuals through severe property damage. The ongoing relief efforts are crucial to assist the impacted communities as authorities monitor for any further weather developments. The storm’s path underscores the necessity for enhanced disaster preparedness and response strategies in vulnerable regions.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
