The UN is mobilizing humanitarian aid for victims of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique, which affected 184,000 individuals and resulted in 45 deaths. Assistance includes food, shelter, and medical services. Concurrently, Vanuatu suffers from an earthquake that killed nine and injured over 200. Both crises highlight the urgent need for international humanitarian response and support.
The United Nations has mobilized humanitarian assistance for the victims of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique, which struck on December 15 and resulted in widespread destruction. Affected areas in Cabo Delgado province have reported significant casualties, with 45 confirmed fatalities and over 500 individuals injured. Approximately 184,000 people have suffered effects from the cyclone, which has damaged over 35,000 homes, 50 health centers, and close to 150 schools. To date, the UN and partners have reached 2,000 families in Mecufi district, delivering essential supplies including food and shelter. Mobile medical units are deployed to provide crucial health services and combat waterborne diseases, while specialized teams assist children separated from their families during the disaster.
In addition, Cyclone Chido had previously ravaged Mayotte, leading to catastrophic outcomes for its population. With wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour and resultant floods, the storm is recognized as the most potent to hit the area in nearly a century. French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a national period of mourning amid fears of widespread casualties. The World Meteorological Organization noted that the cyclone’s trajectory, which skirted Madagascar, contributed to its intensification prior to making landfall in Mozambique.
Furthermore, the UN is addressing the aftermath of an earthquake that struck Vanuatu, claiming nine lives and injuring over 200 individuals. Following the disaster, the local government has declared a state of emergency for a week and has requested international aid. The immediate needs include medical supplies, structural repairs, and emergency search and rescue operations, with the UN facilitating response teams to assess and address the damage.
The current humanitarian challenges faced by Mozambique stem from the recent Tropical Cyclone Chido, which has had devastating consequences across multiple districts, particularly in Cabo Delgado. As the cyclone moved toward Mozambique, it had already inflicted severe damage on the French territory of Mayotte. In tandem, the Pacific nation of Vanuatu is grappling with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake that has prompted a state of emergency and calls for international assistance. These events underline the pressing need for coordinated disaster response efforts in regions prone to natural calamities.
In summary, the UN has taken decisive action in response to the dual crises caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique and the recent earthquake in Vanuatu. The humanitarian needs in these regions are urgent and multifaceted, requiring immediate and sustained assistance. The attention to health services and infrastructure repair is critical to alleviating suffering and restoring normalcy. Collaboration between national governments and international bodies will be essential in effectively addressing these disasters and mitigating future risks.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com