Tropical Cyclone Chido has killed at least seven people in Malawi and affected over 30,000 others. The storm caused significant damage, including the destruction of roofs on buildings and flooding in several districts. While classes have resumed after a precautionary suspension, relief efforts are ongoing to assist the affected communities.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has tragically claimed at least seven lives in Malawi and has had a profound impact on over 30,000 individuals, according to reports from disaster officials. The Malawi Department of Disaster Management Affairs released an initial assessment indicating extensive damage, including the destruction of roofs on various structures such as schools and health facilities. In total, the storm affected approximately 7,721 households, with a reported three fatalities in the Salima district and one death each in Kasungu, Machinga, Blantyre, and Lilongwe districts. Moreover, the cyclone resulted in 16 injuries reported by officials.
Initially forming northeast of Madagascar, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck land near Nacala, Mozambique, on Sunday and caused considerable devastation across the region. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has stated that the storm has impacted over 174,000 residents in Mozambique and 64,000 in the Comoros archipelago, with thousands of homes destroyed in the wake of the cyclone’s passage. Following Chido’s transit through Malawi, heavy rainfall and flooding were reported across approximately 17 districts, predominantly in the southern region of the country. Lucy Mtilatila, the Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services director, confirmed on Tuesday that the storm had dissipated, advising that they are monitoring the Indian Ocean for potential developments.
In response to these severe conditions, the Malawian government had temporarily halted school classes for safety measures, but education has since resumed. Chipiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management, confirmed that search and rescue operations in high-risk areas have been concluded, while relief efforts are actively being coordinated with humanitarian partners in order to support affected households. The swift response underscores the importance of disaster management in mitigating the effects of such natural calamities.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is a natural disaster that emerged in the Indian Ocean, impacting multiple countries, including Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi. When it reached Mozambique, it wreaked havoc, leading to the evacuation of thousands and contributing to loss of life and extensive property damage. Malawi, located to the north of Mozambique, was also affected by the remnants of the cyclone, which brought heavy rains and flooding to the southern districts. The storm highlights the susceptibility of the region to tropical cyclones and the need for effective disaster preparedness and response protocols.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted significant loss and distress upon the Malawian population, with at least seven confirmed fatalities and thousands more affected by the ensuing damage. As recovery efforts mobilize, there is an emphasis on collaboration between governmental agencies and humanitarian organizations to assist those impacted. The ongoing monitoring of weather patterns underscores the region’s vulnerabilities and the necessity for continued vigilance in disaster preparedness.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
