Cyclone Chido’s Impact in Mozambique: Death Toll Climbs to 45

Cyclone Chido has caused at least 45 fatalities in Mozambique, with 38 in Cabo Delgado, and injured nearly 500 individuals. The cyclone, which struck on December 15, 2024, has led to the destruction of nearly 24,000 homes, affecting over 181,000 people. It follows a devastating impact on Mayotte that potentially resulted in hundreds of deaths.

The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has tragically risen to 45, as reported by the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management. Initially, it was announced that 34 lives had been claimed when the cyclone made landfall on December 15, 2024, in Cabo Delgado province. Updated figures indicate that 38 fatalities occurred in Cabo Delgado, alongside four in Nampula province and three in Niassa, with one individual still reported as missing.

The cyclone, packing winds reaching 260 km/h (160 mph) and delivering approximately 250 mm (10 inches) of rainfall within 24 hours, has led to nearly 500 injuries. Almost 24,000 homes have been reported as destroyed, while an additional 12,300 have sustained partial damage. The storm has notably impacted over 181,000 individuals in the region, a part of northern Mozambique consistently afflicted by cyclones and currently grappling with challenges arising from conflict and underdevelopment. The cyclone initially struck after causing significant devastation on the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, where it is feared to have caused hundreds, if not thousands, of fatalities.

Cyclone Chido represents one of the many severe weather events that plague Mozambique, a country heavily impacted by cyclonic activity due to its geographical location. The Cabo Delgado province, where the cyclone hit hardest, is particularly vulnerable due to prior conflict and socio-economic factors that hinder recovery efforts. The vulnerability of this region is exacerbated by the compounding effects of climate change, which has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of such natural disasters.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted significant human and material losses in Mozambique, with a resultant death toll now standing at 45 and a large number of injuries reported. The destruction of thousands of homes and the widespread impact on communities highlight the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable regions in reaching resilience against natural disasters. Effective disaster response and recovery strategies are urgently needed to address the needs of affected populations and to mitigate future cyclonic impacts.

Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com