Mozambique: Cyclone Eloise Wreaks Havoc

A tropical cyclone has hit the southern African nation of Mozambique over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

In an official report, the massive storm – nicknamed “Eloise” – weakened when it made landfall early on Saturday morning, 23 January, and its first stop was the coastal city of Beira.

Gale force winds reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour, and heavy rains have battered the region, collapsing buildings, ruining crops and flooding areas. Up to 250 millimeters of rain fell in the space of 24 hours, according to Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology.

Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction claims Eloise injured 12 people, and left close to 7 000 people displaced and in need of aid.

The region was previously hit in 2019 by two cyclones, Idai and Kenneth, which killed hundreds and left thousands homeless.

Eloise is expected to move inland towards Zimbabwe, eSwatini and South Africa.

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