Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation across Mozambique and Mayotte, resulting in a death toll of at least 129 people. In Mozambique, local authorities report that 94 people have died since the cyclone made landfall last week.
According to the nation’s National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD), the natural disaster has affected approximately 622,000 individuals in various ways, with 768 persons suffering injuries.
On December 15th, Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, bringing with it 250 mm of rain in the first 24 hours and winds of up to 260 km/h (160 mph). The same hurricane had already devastated Mayotte, a possession in the French Indian Ocean, and then affected Malawi and Zimbabwe.
The northern districts of Mozambique, which are often affected by cyclones, took an especially severe strike. After hitting Cabo Delgado, the storm proceeded inland to Niassa and Nampula. The health and education sectors have suffered serious harm, according to the INGD.
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Over 109,793 students have been affected due to damaged school infrastructure and 52 damaged sanitary units, further hindering access to crucial health services in areas where healthcare was already limited.
Government Response
Daniel Chapo, a leader of Mozambique’s ruling party, has indicated that the government is mobilizing support on “all levels” and is working alongside the INGD to help those impacted in the provinces of Mecúfi, Nampula, Memba, and Niassa to rebuild. In Mayotte, Chido is considered the worst storm to hit the archipelago in 90 years, leaving tens of thousands of people struggling with the aftermath.
The interior ministry has confirmed 35 deaths. Mayotte’s prefect had previously warned that the death toll could rise significantly once a full assessment of the damage has been completed, possibly reaching “several hundred” or even thousands. Over 1,300 officers were deployed to assist the local population. One week after the storm, many residents still lack basic necessities and running water is only gradually returning to the territory’s capital. The ministry has advised people to boil water for three minutes before consumption.
Approximately 100 tonnes of equipment are being delivered daily through an air bridge set up between Mayotte, Reunion, and mainland France. According to a statement from interior minister Bruno Retailleau on Friday, 80 tonnes of food and 50 tonnes of water were distributed across Mayotte that day.
Source: bbc
