Mozambique has begun constructing shelters for victims of Cyclone Chido, which resulted in at least 70 deaths and 600 injuries. The government, alongside international partners, is prioritizing resilient housing to mitigate future storm damage. UNICEF reports that 174,000 people are affected, compounding existing challenges from a cholera outbreak in the region.
Mozambique has initiated the construction of shelters for the victims of Cyclone Chido, which recently struck the northern regions of the country, resulting in at least 70 fatalities and injuring approximately 600 individuals. Trade and Industry Minister Silvino Moreno affirmed the government’s commitment to providing aid and noted the involvement of international partners in relief efforts. During a visit to Nampula Province, Minister Moreno emphasized the importance of building homes using resilient materials to prevent further destruction, as many existing structures, predominantly made of mud and reeds, succumbed to the cyclone’s severe impact.
Before impacting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in Mayotte, a group of French islands, where it claimed lives and caused infrastructure damage. The storm also affected southern Malawi with destructive winds and rainfall. According to Mozambique’s meteorological agency, the country anticipates additional storms in the forthcoming months of the rainy season, underscoring the need for enhanced preparedness measures.
UNICEF reported that a total of 174,000 individuals have been affected, a number likely to rise as further assessments are conducted. The damage includes the destruction of thousands of classrooms and at least 20 health facilities. Michael Chimedza, head of UNICEF’s field office in Zambezia province, indicated that the organization is mobilizing resources to assist 50,000 people and has allocated funds for local response training.
The cyclone’s adverse effects extend beyond Nampula, reaching Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces, and leaving over 25,000 families without electricity while damaging critical infrastructure including health units, transportation routes, and water supply systems. Given the region’s existing cholera outbreak, humanitarian agencies have raised concerns that the recent calamity may exacerbate the public health crisis.
Cyclone Chido has recently devastated Mozambique, impacting multiple regions and causing extensive casualties and destruction. This disaster has prompted immediate action from government officials and international organizations aimed at providing aid and reconstructing affected areas. The government’s commitment to building durable shelters highlights the need to improve construction methods in order to withstand future storms and mitigate loss of life and property. Public health implications are also critical due to the concurrent cholera outbreak, necessitating urgent support from humanitarian agencies.
In conclusion, the onset of Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage across northern Mozambique, prompting an urgent governmental and humanitarian response. The focus on constructing resilient housing and enhancing community training is pivotal in ensuring better preparedness against future storms. As recovery efforts unfold, the collaboration between government entities and international partners will be vital to support affected populations and address public health threats arising from the cyclone’s aftermath.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
