The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to 45, according to an updated report from the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management on Wednesday. This marks an increase of 11 fatalities from the initial figure of 34 reported on Tuesday.
The cyclone made landfall on Sunday in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province, causing widespread devastation. The latest breakdown of casualties shows 38 deaths in Cabo Delgado, four in Nampula province, and three in Niassa province. One person remains missing, authorities said.
Cyclone Chido unleashed winds of up to 260 kilometres per hour (160 miles per hour) and torrential rainfall measuring 250 millimetres (10 inches) in just 24 hours. Nearly 500 people sustained injuries, while over 181,000 residents have been affected.
The storm destroyed approximately 24,000 homes and left another 12,300 partially damaged. Emergency teams are working to provide relief to displaced families and assess the full extent of the damage.
The cyclone struck a region that is already struggling with challenges such as conflict and underdevelopment. Northern Mozambique, particularly Cabo Delgado, frequently endures cyclones, making it one of the most disaster-prone areas in the country.
Before hitting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, where hundreds—and possibly thousands—are feared to have lost their lives.
Mozambican authorities are continuing relief and recovery efforts, but the scale of the disaster underscores the urgent need for international assistance.
