National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management reveals that at least 34 people have lost their lives in Mozambique following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido.
The cyclone landed Sunday in Cabo Delgado province, where 28 fatalities were recorded. Additionally, three lives were lost in Nampula province and another three in Niassa province, situated further inland.
Cyclone Chido unleashed destructive winds reaching up to 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph) and torrential rainfall of approximately 250 millimeters (10 inches) within 24 hours.
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The severe weather resulted in injuries to 319 people and caused widespread destruction. Authorities reported that nearly 23,600 homes and 170 fishing boats were destroyed, with an estimated 175,000 people directly affected by the storm.
This region in northern Mozambique, already grappling with conflict and underdevelopment, remains particularly vulnerable to recurring cyclones. Before hitting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido also impacted the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, which is feared to have caused significant loss of life.
After tearing through Mozambique, the cyclone moved into Malawi on Monday, with forecasts predicting it would weaken and dissipate by Tuesday near Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean authorities had earlier issued alerts for heavy rainfall linked to the storm.
