Cabo Delgado: Cyclone Chido in Chiúre: Among the dead were the elderly, pregnant women, and children

Casas destruidas pelo ciclone Chido na vila de Chiure

December 15, 2024, is a date that will not be forgotten by everyone living in the district of Chiúre, in the southern part of Cabo Delgado province.

According to the elders, especially those who were born in this district, it has been over 50 years since there was a storm or even a cyclone. Many cannot even recall the name or the year.

This is how the district of Chiúre was caught off guard, as no one was sure that we would have a cyclone on that day and with such intensity.

According to meteorologists, the large rivers could flood, especially the Megaruma, which limits the districts of Ancuabe and Chiúre, and the Lúrio, which borders the provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado, although all these rivers cover the district of Chiúre.

Prevention was something that should not have been forgotten, but based on past experiences, most people underestimated the scope and magnitude of the phenomenon. What happened was indeed a disaster.

The phenomenon began around 2 AM, with rain as predicted by meteorologists, and continued until 7 AM, when the wind started to increase in intensity. Shortly after, the communication network was cut off. The wind was blowing at 110 km/h, marking the start of the disaster for the people of Chiúre.

During this period, the weaker houses had already collapsed, and the situation was spiraling out of control. Fear gave courage to some who tried to save their roofs, and in this attempt to rescue their roofs, many were injured. Those who took the risk of climbing onto their houses were the worst affected, while the less courageous lost their belongings, as everything was flooded.

What followed was the collapse of houses and the loss of human lives. Among the dead were the elderly, pregnant women, and children.

Cyclone Chido devastated the entire district of Chiúre. Many families were left homeless, and many children, pregnant women, and the elderly were left out in the open.

Life in Chiúre became one of mourning, as everyone was affected by the cyclone. Most of the families, or those most affected, are currently trying to build shelters and tents to at least have some protection during this rainy season.

The district and municipal government, which were also affected, are still assessing the damages. There are no definitive numbers yet, as the work is still in progress.

As for humanitarian aid, we have not yet observed any religious organizations on the ground to alleviate the suffering of the population, as we saw when there was a massive influx of people due to terrorism. (Celestino Carlos)