Cyclone Chido Claims 45 Lives in Mozambique, Causes Widespread Destruction

The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to 45, with severe impacts across multiple provinces. The cyclone, bringing winds of 260 km/h and heavy rainfall, has injured nearly 500, destroyed 24,000 homes, and affected over 181,000 individuals. The situation is dire as the region struggles with vulnerability due to conflict and underdevelopment.

The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has tragically increased to 45, as reported by the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management on December 17, 2024. The cyclone initially struck the northern Cabo Delgado province on December 15, resulting in the loss of 28 lives, with subsequent updates confirming 38 fatalities in Cabo Delgado, four in Nampula, and three in Niassa. Additionally, the cyclone has left nearly 500 individuals injured, while 24,000 homes were destroyed and another 12,300 were partially damaged, impacting over 181,000 people in the affected regions. Cyclone Chido’s winds reached 260 kilometers (160 miles) per hour, accompanied by heavy rainfalls totaling approximately 250 millimeters (10 inches) within a single day, exacerbating an already dire situation in a region susceptible to cyclones and facing challenges related to conflict and underdevelopment. The cyclone followed its path after earlier landfall on the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, where it is feared to have claimed hundreds of lives, reflective of the devastating effects associated with such natural disasters.

Cyclones are a recurrent threat to Mozambique, particularly in regions like Cabo Delgado, which are prone to extreme weather events. The country’s vulnerability is heightened by existing socio-economic challenges, including underdevelopment and ongoing conflicts. Cyclone Chido underscores the increasing intensity of weather phenomena attributed to climate change, which poses significant risks to local populations and infrastructure. The sequence of destructive events, starting from Mayotte, illustrates the peril that cyclones pose across the region, prompting urgent responses from humanitarian organizations and government entities.

The rising death toll and sheer scale of destruction caused by Cyclone Chido highlight the critical need for robust disaster management strategies in Mozambique. With over 181,000 people affected and thousands of homes destroyed, humanitarian assistance will be vital in the recovery process. This catastrophe serves as a poignant reminder of the relentless threat posed by cyclones and the urgent need for resilience-building measures in vulnerable communities.

Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com