Cyclone Chido has brought devastating destruction to Mozambique, with the death toll nearly doubling to 75, according to the government. The storm made landfall in the country’s northern province of Cabo Delgado, a region already plagued by a years-long insurgency backed by the Islamic State.
Rescue workers are struggling to reach affected areas due to washed-out roads and infrastructure damage. Buildings were destroyed in the district of Mecufi, with most homes and buildings reduced to rubble. The storm also damaged critical infrastructure, including a maternity health clinic, leaving residents without access to essential services.
Mozambique is one of the world’s poorest countries, making it vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events. Cyclone Chido brought wind speeds of 115 miles per hour, equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean.
The cyclone has compounded the lives of people already affected by conflict, with many now facing “climate shocks.” The storm’s impact is part of a broader pattern of severe weather events affecting Mozambique, with nearly 140,000 people fleeing their homes due to extreme weather in recent years.
As Cyclone Chido hurtles across the southern Indian Ocean, it has left at least 35 deaths on the French archipelago of Mayotte and is expected to signal an intense and destructive rainy season. The United Nations refugee agency warns that cyclones and severe flooding are historically common in the region during this time of year.
The recent storms highlight the increasing vulnerability of Mozambique due to climate change, with Cyclone Chido’s impact serving as a wake-up call for the country and its international community.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/africa/cyclone-chido-death-toll-mozambique.html