MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE – Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across northern Mozambique, resulting in the tragic loss of 94 lives and impacting over 622,000 individuals since its landfall last week. The cyclone, with winds reaching speeds of up to 260 km/h (160 mph), struck the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula, bringing with it torrential rains amounting to 250 mm within a 24-hour period.
The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido is profound. The National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) reported that 768 people sustained injuries, while over 110,000 homes were obliterated. The storm’s fury extended to critical infrastructure, disrupting the education of more than 109,793 students and demolishing 52 health facilities, significantly hampering access to essential services.
Before hitting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido had already left a trail of destruction in Mayotte, causing the death of 35 people in the French Indian Ocean territory. The cyclone’s path through Mozambique has highlighted the nation’s susceptibility to climate-induced disasters, emphasizing the critical need for robust infrastructure that can endure such events.
In the wake of this disaster, Daniel Chapo, a prominent figure in Mozambique’s ruling party, visited the severely affected region of Cabo Delgado. He reassured the local population of the government’s dedication to reconstructing the devastated areas. The government, in coordination with INGD, is actively engaging in efforts to gather resources and deliver aid to the communities in need.
As the recovery process begins, Mozambique is calling for international assistance to not only rebuild but also to enhance its resilience against future climatic adversities. The global community’s support is crucial in helping Mozambique overcome this tragedy and prepare for potential future challenges.