The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to 94, according to the country’s disaster management agency, as reported by AFP on Sunday.
The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique a week ago, causing widespread destruction. On Thursday, Mozambique’s Institute for Natural Disasters put the death toll at 73, but the latest figures reflect the increasing scale of the disaster.
The Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte also suffered heavily from the storm. While officials in Mayotte, one of France’s poorest overseas territories, have confirmed 35 fatalities, there are fears that the true death toll could be much higher, potentially reaching into the thousands.
Olamide Harrison, the International Monetary Fund’s resident representative in Mozambique, warned on Wednesday that the country’s economic growth for 2024 is likely to be revised downward. Previously forecast at 4.3%, the projection is expected to drop due to the combined effects of Cyclone Chido and ongoing post-election civil unrest.
In October, Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of Mozambique’s presidential election, a result that has since sparked widespread controversy and tension across the nation.
The devastating impact of Cyclone Chido and the political instability have created significant challenges for Mozambique, further complicating efforts to rebuild and stabilise the country.
