Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province Hit Hard
The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to 73, according to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management.
Cabo Delgado, a northern province already grappling with conflict and underdevelopment, bore the brunt of the storm, with 66 deaths reported. Additional fatalities occurred in Nampula (4) and Niassa (3), with one person still missing.
Over 540 people suffered injuries, as the cyclone unleashed winds reaching 260 km/h (161 mph) and heavy rainfall of 250 millimeters (10 inches) within 24 hours. More than 39,100 homes were destroyed, with another 13,400 partially damaged, affecting over 329,500 residents across Mozambique. 
UNICEF spokesman Guy Taylor described the devastation in northern Mozambique as “absolute destruction,” emphasizing the region’s existing vulnerabilities. “This is an area where people were already living in extremely precarious conditions,” Taylor noted, adding, “Many families have lost everything.”
Aftermath in Mayotte: A Call for Aid
Before making landfall in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido tore through Mayotte, a French overseas territory. At least 31 lives were lost, with more than 1,500 injured, including over 200 critically. In the capital Mamoudzou, entire shantytowns were flattened, leaving residents desperate for help.
During a visit to Mayotte, French President Emmanuel Macron faced calls for increased support. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has requested 10,000 emergency tents and accommodations to aid the affected population.
Cyclone’s Reach Extends to Malawi
The cyclone’s devastation did not stop in Mozambique. As it moved into Malawi, it claimed 13 more lives and left dozens injured.
Malawi’s disaster management agency is now working to assess the full impact and provide aid to those affected.
Cyclone Chido: A Stark Reminder of Regional Vulnerabilities
Cyclone Chido’s path of destruction underscores the challenges faced by nations like Mozambique and Mayotte. The combination of natural disasters, underdevelopment, and conflict intensifies the need for immediate and long-term solutions.
Will increased international support and local resilience efforts help these regions recover from Cyclone Chido’s devastation? Share your thoughts below.
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