Cyclone Chido devastates northern Mozambique, death toll reaches 45

The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to 45, as confirmed by the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) on Wednesday. The powerful storm made landfall on Sunday in the northern Cabo Delgado province, unleashing winds of up to 260 kilometers per hour (160 miles per hour) and torrential rainfall of 250 millimeters (10 inches) in just 24 hours.

While initial reports on Tuesday indicated 34 fatalities, the latest figures show the storm has claimed 38 lives in Cabo Delgado, 4 in Nampula province, and 3 in Niassa province, with one person still missing. Additionally, nearly 500 individuals sustained injuries during the devastation.

Cyclone Chido has caused widespread damage, destroying approximately 24,000 homes and partially damaging 12,300 more. Over 181,000 people have been directly affected by the storm. The cyclone struck a region already grappling with conflict, underdevelopment, and frequent natural disasters, compounding the vulnerability of local communities.

Before reaching Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte. While official casualty figures for Mayotte remain unavailable, it is feared that the storm may have claimed hundreds, if not thousands, of lives.

As rescue and relief operations continue, emergency teams are working tirelessly to assist survivors, providing shelter, food, and medical aid. The INGD is collaborating with local authorities and international partners to assess the damage and deliver critical support to affected populations.