Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has led to a death toll of 45, with extensive damage across northern provinces. The storm caused 38 deaths in Cabo Delgado, alongside injuries to nearly 500 people and destruction of 24,000 homes, impacting over 181,000 individuals in a region already vulnerable to such disasters.
The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has tragically increased to 45, as reported by the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management. The cyclone, which made landfall on December 15, 2024, initially resulted in 34 fatalities, primarily in the Cabo Delgado province where the storm first struck. The updated figures reveal that the worst-hit area was Cabo Delgado with 38 deaths, followed by four fatalities in Nampula province and three in Niassa province. One individual remains unaccounted for. In addition to the loss of life, nearly 500 injuries have been reported, and the cyclone has caused significant infrastructure damage, destroying approximately 24,000 homes and partially damaging another 12,300. The storm impacted over 181,000 individuals, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of this region, which is frequently affected by cyclones and struggles with ongoing conflict and underdevelopment. Cyclone Chido had further repercussions, having previously hit Mayotte, an island in the Indian Ocean, where early estimates suggest hundreds to thousands of lives may have been lost.
Cyclones pose a recurrent threat to coastal regions globally, particularly in developing countries like Mozambique, where communities often lack the necessary resources for adequate disaster preparedness and recovery. Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, already vulnerable due to socio-economic challenges and ongoing conflicts, faces heightened risks from natural disasters. Cyclone Chido exemplifies these challenges, as the region has previously experienced severe cyclones that further exacerbate local hardships. The ensuing humanitarian crises following such disasters underline the urgent need for comprehensive disaster risk management strategies and international assistance to protect these vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, with a rising death toll and extensive damage to infrastructure. As communities grapple with the immediate impacts of the cyclone, the necessity for improved disaster management and response strategies in vulnerable regions is emphasized. Continued monitoring and support from national and international entities will be essential for recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
