Cyclone Chido: Death Toll Rises to 94 in Mozambique Disaster

Cyclone Chido has resulted in 94 deaths, over 768 injuries, and widespread destruction in northern Mozambique. The affected regions include Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, with more than 140,000 homes damaged and critical public infrastructure impacted. In response, the government has established accommodation centers for displaced individuals, and President Filipe Nyusi has declared a two-day national mourning period. International support remains crucial for recovery efforts.

The latest report from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) indicates that the death toll from Cyclone Chido, which recently struck northern Mozambique, has risen to 94, with 768 individuals injured. The cyclone, which made landfall on December 15, resulted in catastrophic conditions across the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, displacing over 123,000 families and affecting approximately 622,610 individuals. Furthermore, estimates suggest that more than 140,000 houses sustained severe damage or were completely destroyed.

The cyclone not only devastated homes but also critically impacted public infrastructure, with 250 schools, 89 public buildings, and 52 health facilities suffering damage. Agricultural lands faced severe inundation, exacerbating the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of the already at-risk communities. In an effort to provide immediate relief, the INGD has set up two accommodation centers to support 1,349 displaced individuals, although the vast extent of destruction creates significant obstacles for recovery and humanitarian efforts.

During a televised address from the Presidential Palace, President Filipe Nyusi expressed his condolences to the bereaved and announced a two-day national mourning period in honor of the victims of the cyclone. In light of the situation, authorities and international humanitarian organizations are urgently calling for support to meet the critical needs of affected populations and aid in their recovery.

Cyclone Chido was a powerful tropical cyclone that struck northern Mozambique, making landfall on December 15, 2023. This natural disaster caused widespread devastation across several regions, notably Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The depth of destruction and subsequent humanitarian crisis emphasizes the vulnerabilities of these communities, particularly regarding infrastructure and housing. The response efforts from both governmental and international organizations highlight the immediate needs for aid and recovery in the aftermath of such catastrophic events.

Cyclone Chido has inflicted significant loss of life and widespread destruction in northern Mozambique, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian aid and recovery efforts. With 94 confirmed fatalities and thousands affected, the situation demands immediate attention from local authorities and international agencies. President Filipe Nyusi’s call for national mourning reflects the grave impact of the cyclone on the population, while the damaged infrastructure presents substantial challenges for recovery moving forward.

Original Source: www.shine.cn