Cyclone Chido’s Devastating Impact: Death Toll Reaches 120 in Mozambique

Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has resulted in 120 confirmed deaths and nearly 900 injuries, causing significant infrastructure damage, including homes and healthcare facilities. Originating in Mayotte, the cyclone impacted several countries across the region, raising urgent humanitarian needs.

The toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has tragically increased to 120 confirmed deaths, surpassing the previous count of 94, as reported by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The cyclone, categorized as a level 4 tropical storm, made landfall on December 15, unleashing devastating wind speeds of 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph) and pouring an alarming 250mm of rainfall within the first day. Alongside the fatalities, approximately 900 individuals have sustained injuries, with extensive damage inflicted upon homes, schools, and healthcare facilities in the affected regions.

Before impacting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido struck the French overseas territory of Mayotte on December 14, where winds exceeded 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph), resulting in significant destruction. Despite reports indicating 35 fatalities in Mayotte, there are concerns that the actual number may be considerably higher. The repercussions of this severe weather event have also reached Madagascar, Comoros, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, with the latter reporting 13 deaths and 29 injuries, alongside further infrastructural damage.

Cyclone Chido represents a catastrophic event in the region, having formed as a tropical storm before escalating to a powerful cyclone that adversely affected several countries. The storm’s ferocity is characterized by extreme wind speeds and heavy rainfall, causing mass destruction to both residential and infrastructural areas. Disaster management authorities in affected nations are grappling with the aftermath, addressing urgent humanitarian needs and assessing damage across multiple sectors.

In summary, Cyclone Chido’s impact has been devastating, particularly in Mozambique, which has faced the highest death toll at 120 individuals. The cyclone has also wreaked havoc across Mayotte, Madagascar, and Malawi, resulting in significant injuries and damage to critical infrastructure. The continuing effects of such natural disasters necessitate a concerted response from regional authorities and humanitarian organizations to support recovery efforts.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr