A cyclone in Mozambique destroyed 380 homes, left 2,155 people affected, and damaged health facilities and schools. Bishop Vera reported severe destruction, highlighting disrupted communication and the urgent need for community rebuilding efforts.
A recent cyclone in Mozambique has severely impacted the community, affecting 2,155 individuals across 380 families and resulting in one death and 18 injuries. The cyclone caused complete destruction of 380 homes and partial damage to 28, displacing numerous families and leaving them without adequate shelter.
World Vision Mozambique reports that critical infrastructure was also heavily impacted, with 24 health facilities sustaining damage that disrupts access to essential medical services. Additionally, the education sector suffered significantly, as 27 schools were damaged, affecting 2,266 students and 158 teachers due to disrupted learning environments.
Bishop Vera described the experience during this calamity as a “night of terror along the entire coast,” noting the extensive destruction of chapels, schools, and pastoral centers. He stated, “The destruction is very extensive. Around half of the mud houses in the 10 districts of the Diocese of Nacala were damaged.”
The Bishop highlighted the severity of the cyclone’s winds, which reached speeds of 100 to 150 kilometers per hour, and noted the destruction of several bridges, isolating communities and affecting communication between key areas, including Nacala-a-Velha and Memba.
This event is not unprecedented, as the Diocese of Nacala has faced cyclones annually, with Cyclone Dikeledi in January wreaking similar devastation. In response to ongoing destruction, Bishop Vera initiated an emergency plan aimed at acquiring necessary building materials for urgent repairs to chapels, schools, and other community facilities.
The cyclone in Mozambique has led to significant destruction affecting thousands of lives and essential services. With multiple homes, schools, and health facilities damaged, recovery efforts are urgently required to restore shelter and services for the affected communities. The sustained impact of cyclones in this region calls for ongoing responses to future risks and potential emergencies, emphasizing the need for preparedness and resource allocation.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
