Tropical Cyclone Chido has killed at least seven people in Malawi and affected over 30,000. The storm destroyed roofs of schools and homes, particularly in southern districts. While significant damage was also reported in Mozambique and Comoros, classes have resumed in Malawi following the storm’s dissipation. Relief efforts are underway as local and humanitarian agencies respond to the needs of affected households.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has claimed at least seven lives in Malawi and affected over 30,000 individuals, according to disaster management officials. A recent assessment by the Malawi Department of Disaster Management Affairs revealed that the storm resulted in extensive damage, including the destruction of roofs across schools, health facilities, and residential buildings. The agency reported that more than 7,700 households have been impacted, with notable fatalities occurring in Salima, Kasungu, Machinga, Blantyre, and Lilongwe districts.
Chido originated northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and made landfall on Sunday near Nacala, Mozambique, where it caused considerable destruction. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that beyond Malawi, the storm affected over 174,000 people in Mozambique and 64,000 in the Comoros archipelago, leading to the devastation of thousands of homes. As the remnants of Cyclone Chido passed through Malawi on Monday, moderate tropical storm conditions triggered heavy rains and flooding across approximately 17 districts, primarily in the southern region.
Following these challenging circumstances, Lucy Mtilatila, Director of the Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, confirmed the storm’s dissipation and stated, “Our eyes are on the Indian Ocean in case there will be another development. But so far, so good.” Classes, which were temporarily suspended for safety, have since resumed. Additionally, the disaster agency has withdrawn all search and rescue teams from affected areas and is collaborating with humanitarian partners to provide relief to the impacted households.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido highlights the increasing vulnerability of regions like Malawi to natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. Given that both Mozambique and Malawi frequently face such storms due to their geographic positions, comprehensive disaster management and recovery strategies are essential. The Malawi Department of Disaster Management Affairs plays a critical role in assessing and responding to emergencies, while international organizations such as the U.N. support local efforts to mitigate damage and facilitate recovery in affected communities.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has led to significant loss of life and extensive damage in Malawi, with a broader impact felt across neighboring countries. As recovery efforts progress and monitoring for potential future storms continues, initiatives must prioritize community resilience against the increasing threat of climate-related disasters.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
