MAPUTO, Mozambique – The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to 94, according to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The powerful tropical cyclone made landfall in the East African country last week, injuring 768 people and affecting more than 622,000 in some capacity.
The INGD reported that Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on December 15th, with wind speeds reaching 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph) and 250 millimeters of rainfall in the first 24 hours. The storm first hit Cabo Delgado, then moved further inland to Niassa and Nampula, provinces that are frequently impacted by cyclones.
The cyclone has also severely impacted the education and health sectors in Mozambique. According to the INGD, more than 109,793 students were affected, with school infrastructure suffering significant damage. Additionally, 52 health units were damaged, further limiting access to essential health services, especially in areas where access was already limited before the cyclone.
Daniel Chapo, leader of Mozambique’s ruling party, told local media that the government is mobilising support on “all levels” in response to the cyclone. Chapo, during a visit to Cabo Delgado on Sunday, stated that the government is working with the INGD to help those affected in the provinces of Mecúfi, Nampula, Memba and Niassa to rebuild.
Prior to hitting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido caused significant damage in the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. In Mayotte, the cyclone was the worst storm to hit the archipelago in 90 years, leaving tens of thousands of people reeling. The Interior Ministry confirmed that 35 people had died in the territory. Mayotte’s prefect previously warned that the death toll could climb significantly once the damage was fully assessed, suggesting it could reach “several hundred” or even thousands.
More than 1,300 officers were deployed to support the local population in Mayotte. One week later, many residents still lack basic necessities, and running water is slowly being restored to the territory’s capital. The ministry has advised people to boil water for three minutes before consuming it. An air bridge was established between Mayotte, Reunion, and mainland France to deliver approximately 100 tonnes of equipment daily. On Friday, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated that 80 tonnes of food and 50 tonnes of water had been distributed across Mayotte that day.
