Cyclone Chido’s Death Toll in Mozambique Reaches 45 Amid Devastation

As of December 17, 2024, Cyclone Chido has resulted in 45 deaths in Mozambique, with 38 fatalities reported in Cabo Delgado province. The cyclone has injured nearly 500 people, destroyed extensive housing, and left over 181,000 individuals affected. It caused catastrophic winds and rainfall, compounding the challenges faced by a region already susceptible to natural disasters.

Mozambique is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which has tragically raised the death toll to at least 45 individuals as of December 17, 2024. According to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management, the cyclone initially struck on December 15, 2024, primarily affecting the Cabo Delgado province, where 38 fatalities were recorded. The cyclone has additionally claimed 4 lives in Nampula province and 3 in Niassa, with one person currently unaccounted for. The storm’s impact was severe, injuring nearly 500 individuals and damaging approximately 24,000 homes, with 12,300 homes partially destroyed, significantly affecting over 181,000 residents. The cyclone brought with it devastating winds reaching speeds of 260 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall that overwhelmed the region, a part of Mozambique frequently exposed to such weather extremes.

Cyclone Chido represents yet another natural disaster affecting northern Mozambique, a region that frequently experiences cyclone activity exacerbated by environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The country faces ongoing challenges due to conflict and underdevelopment, which complicate recovery efforts and heighten the risks of future disasters. The cyclone’s path originated in the Indian Ocean, having previously caused devastation on the island of Mayotte, where reports suggest considerable loss of life may have occurred.

The tragic increase in the death toll from Cyclone Chido underscores the vulnerability of Mozambique’s northern provinces to extreme weather events. With significant infrastructural damage and a toll on human life, the impacts extend beyond immediate fatalities, highlighting the region’s need for enhanced disaster preparedness and recovery strategies. The ongoing humanitarian implications necessitate urgent attention from national and international bodies to aid affected populations and mitigate future risks.

Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com