The wrath of Cyclone Chido has left a trail of devastation across northern Mozambique, with scientists attributing the storm’s ferocity to the intensifying effects of climate change. The cyclone made landfall on December 15th, bringing destructive winds of up to 120 km/h and torrential rains that exceeded 250 mm within a single day.
The provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa bore the brunt of the storm’s impact, while neighboring countries like Malawi and Zambia also experienced secondary effects.
The Mozambican government has reported widespread damage to infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, and vital communication networks. Over 35,000 homes have been destroyed or severely damaged, leaving thousands displaced and struggling to find shelter.
The storm’s impact on agriculture has been particularly devastating, with vast swathes of crops and livestock lost, threatening food security for vulnerable communities.
The National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) has confirmed 34 fatalities and over 300 injuries. Rescue and relief efforts are underway, but the scale of the destruction poses significant challenges.
The remote and often inaccessible areas affected by the cyclone are hampering the delivery of aid and hindering assessments of the full extent of the damage.
Scientists studying the cyclone’s trajectory and intensity have pointed to the influence of climate change. Warmer sea surface temperatures provide more energy for tropical cyclones, leading to stronger winds and heavier rainfall.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including cyclones.
The Mozambican government has appealed for international assistance to support relief efforts and help communities rebuild. The country is still recovering from the devastating impacts of previous cyclones, including Idai in 2019, which highlighted the urgent need for climate adaptation measures and disaster preparedness.
As the world grapples with the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its far-reaching consequences.
