In brief
Cyclone Chido has left a trail of destruction in Mozambique, claiming at least 34 lives while leaving thousands homeless and extensive damage reported across the region. Authorities warn that the death toll may continue to rise as rescue operations unfold.
At least 34 people have been confirmed dead following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido in northern Mozambique, marking it as one of the most intense storms ever recorded in the region. The National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) reported that many of the fatalities resulted from injuries caused by falling objects, with winds reaching speeds of around 260 km/h (160 mph).Cyclone Chido first made landfall on Sunday after devastating the neighboring island of Mayotte. Reports indicate that hundreds are feared dead in Mayotte, prompting concerns for the safety of more than 200 Red Cross volunteers who are currently unaccounted for.The destruction in Mozambique has affected more than 34,000 families, with countless homes, schools, and health facilities obliterated. INGD spokesperson Paulo Tomas expressed the gravity of the situation, stating that it is "heart-breaking" and that the number of casualties is expected to rise.Most of the fatalities occurred in northern provinces—Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula—that regularly experience cyclonic activity. These areas are not only prone to natural disasters but also face challenges from ongoing attacks from Islamist militants.In the wake of the cyclone, energy and communication infrastructure has sustained severe damage, leaving approximately 200,000 customers without power as the state-owned Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) works to reinstate services.In Mayotte, the extent of the destruction is alarming, with reports indicating up to 90% of buildings damaged. French MP Estelle Youssouffa has claimed that tens of thousands could potentially have perished, as rescue efforts struggle to locate the missing, many of whom belong to vulnerable, undocumented communities reluctant to seek refuge in shelters for fear of being forcibly relocated.The French government has responded to the crisis by imposing a night-time curfew in Mayotte to deter looting, amid widespread infrastructure damage that hampers emergency operations. The region is in dire need of support as it grapples with this unprecedented disaster, following closely on the heels of last year's Cyclone Freddy, which already tested the resilience of the Mozambican populace.
