UN Responds to Mozambique Cyclone and Vanuatu Earthquake Disasters

The UN reported ongoing humanitarian efforts in Mozambique following Tropical Cyclone Chido, which affected 184,000 people, resulted in at least 45 deaths, and destroyed over 35,000 homes. Humanitarian teams are providing essential support, including food and medical care. Concurrently, a deadly earthquake in Vanuatu has led to nine fatalities and over 200 injuries, prompting international aid requests and state of emergency measures.

On Wednesday, the United Nations reported ongoing humanitarian efforts in response to Tropical Cyclone Chido, which recently impacted Mozambique, displacing 184,000 individuals and resulting in at least 45 fatalities along with 500 injuries, predominantly in Cabo Delgado province. The cyclone caused the destruction and severe damage to over 35,000 homes, more than 50 health facilities, and nearly 150 schools, necessitating immediate international aid and support for the affected families in Mecufi district.

To alleviate distress, the UN and its partners have successfully reached 2,000 families with essential provisions such as food and shelter. Furthermore, mobile medical teams are being deployed to provide critical healthcare services in the most affected areas, as well as implementing strategies to prevent waterborne diseases by distributing water purification supplies and educating communities about cholera prevention, as stated by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. Special mobile units are also addressing the needs of unaccompanied children, ensuring their safety and support.

Separately, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique after earlier ravaging the French territory of Mayotte, where it caused “catastrophic consequences” due to wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour. The cyclone was noted as the most powerful storm in over 90 years to affect Mayotte, prompting a national mourning declaration by French President Emmanuel Macron. After passing Madagascar, the cyclone weakened but continued to inflict substantial rainfall and damage upon Mozambique and neighboring Malawi.

Additionally, the UN is actively responding to an earthquake that occurred in Vanuatu, resulting in nine fatalities and over 200 injuries. Local officials have declared a seven-day state of emergency, citing significant damage to infrastructure, including hospitals, roads, and essential services. The Government of Vanuatu has sought international assistance to enhance its national response, and UN disaster response teams are being deployed, including a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team to assess and address the immediate humanitarian needs.

The report highlights the immediate humanitarian crises arising from recent natural disasters, specifically Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique and a significant earthquake in Vanuatu. Cyclone Chido has left thousands in distress, with extensive damage to infrastructure and loss of life, prompting urgent response measures from the UN and partner organizations. The earthquake in Vanuatu represents another pressing challenge, necessitating international collaboration and resource mobilization to address widespread damage and casualties.

In summary, the recent crises resulting from Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique and the earthquake in Vanuatu underscore the urgent need for humanitarian response and support. The UN is actively mobilizing resources, deploying medical and disaster response teams, and striving to meet the pressing needs of affected populations. These events reveal the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by communities in the wake of natural disasters and the importance of international assistance in restoring safety and stability.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com