Mozambique has initiated the construction of shelters for Cyclone Chido victims after the storm killed at least 70 and injured 600. Minister Silvino Moreno emphasized the need for resilient housing materials while international aid is provided. The cyclone also impacted southern Malawi and worsened vulnerabilities in regions already facing crises, such as cholera outbreaks, with significant humanitarian needs arising.
Mozambique has commenced the construction of temporary shelters for victims affected by Cyclone Chido, which devastated three northern regions of the country last Sunday. This catastrophic storm resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 70 individuals and left over 600 others injured, causing widespread destruction across the affected areas. The Trade and Industry Minister, Silvino Moreno, emphasized the government’s commitment to providing adequate assistance to those displaced by the cyclone, with the support of international partners.
During his visit to the affected province of Nampula, Minister Moreno highlighted the urgent need for building resilient homes using durable materials to withstand future storms. Almost all housing in the impacted locations, typically made from mud and reeds, succumbed to the cyclone’s severity. He further noted the necessity of enhancing local construction skills to improve housing quality. Prior to its landfall in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido inflicted severe damage in Mayotte, leading to fatalities and significant risks for vulnerable populations, including asylum-seekers.
In southern Malawi, the cyclone additionally caused strong winds and heavy rainfall, severely impacting housing and infrastructure. Mozambique’s meteorology agency has alerted citizens about the expectation of more storms throughout the ongoing three-month rainy season while urging better preparedness strategies. As reported by UNICEF, approximately 174,000 individuals have been affected by the cyclone’s repercussions, a figure that may rise as further assessments are conducted.
The ongoing devastation has resulted in the destruction of thousands of classrooms and damage to at least 20 health facilities. Michael Chimedza, UNICEF’s field office head in Zambezia province, indicated that the organization has mobilized resources to assist 50,000 affected individuals and has allocated funds for local response training. The cyclone not only ravaged Nampula, but also impacted Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces, leaving over 25,000 families without electricity and damaging critical infrastructure, including health units, roads, and water supplies.
The situation is exacerbated by an existing cholera outbreak in the region, which officials fear may worsen due to the recent calamity, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid and infrastructure repair.
Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on a Sunday, leading to substantial loss of life and injuries. With a focus on immediate relief efforts and longer-term resilience strategies, the Mozambican government aims to rebuild using more durable materials than those that were previously employed. The cyclone’s impacts extend beyond Mozambique, affecting neighboring regions and increasing vulnerabilities for at-risk communities, including those displaced during the crisis. Humanitarian agencies like UNICEF play an integral role in assessing needs and mobilizing resources for the affected populations.
In summary, Mozambique is taking significant steps to address the aftermath of Cyclone Chido by constructing shelters for those impacted, with a focus on improving building practices and materials for future resilience. The international community is aiding in these efforts as the country braces for potential future storms. The ongoing response also highlights the pressing need for improved health infrastructure amidst a cholera outbreak, underscoring the complexities faced by the region’s humanitarian efforts.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
