Devastating Cyclone Strikes Mozambique, Leaving Communities in Ruins

A cyclone in Mozambique has devastated communities, affecting 2,155 people and destroying 380 homes. Critical infrastructure suffered significant damage, impacting health facilities and schools, thereby disrupting services. Bishop Vera described the cyclone as a “night of terror,” highlighting the extensive destruction and urgent need for rebuilding efforts.

In Mozambique, a powerful cyclone has devastated communities, leaving many families displaced. Reports from World Vision Mozambique indicate that 2,155 individuals from 380 families have been affected, with one confirmed fatality and 18 sustained injuries. The cyclone’s impact led to the complete destruction of 380 homes, while an additional 28 homes were partially damaged, leaving residents in dire need of shelter.

Critical infrastructure has also suffered extensive damage due to the cyclone. Twenty-four health facilities have experienced damage, which has severely impeded access to essential health services for affected communities. Moreover, the education sector has been hit hard, with 27 schools damaged, affecting 2,266 students and disrupting the work of 158 teachers, further complicating recovery efforts.

Bishop Vera of the Diocese of Nacala recounted the horrific conditions during the cyclone, describing it as a “night of terror.” He noted that many chapels, schools, and pastoral centers were stripped of their roofs due to the cyclone’s powerful winds, which reached speeds of 100 to 150 kilometers per hour. This destruction has left a significant portion of the population vulnerable, with nearly half of the mud houses across ten districts sustaining damage.

Following the cyclone, Bishop Vera reported that several bridges were destroyed, impeding communication and accessibility between regions. This marks the second significant cyclone event for the Diocese of Nacala this year, following Cyclone Dikeledi in January, which had already caused extensive destruction to homes and churches. In light of these recurring disasters, the Bishop has initiated an emergency plan aimed at procuring necessary building materials for urgent repairs to communal structures.

The recent cyclone’s catastrophic impact in Mozambique has led to significant infrastructural damage, displacing thousands and disrupting essential services such as healthcare and education. With Bishop Vera highlighting the severity of the situation and drawing attention to the ongoing vulnerability of the affected communities, immediate support and recovery efforts are crucial for rebuilding lives and restoring dignity. The persistence of cyclones in this region necessitates a sustainable approach to disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org