Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique on Sunday, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 34 lives across multiple provinces. The hardest-hit areas were Cabo Delgado, where 28 people lost their lives, followed by Nampula and Niassa, which each saw three fatalities. The storm, which brought intense winds of 260 km/h (160 mph) and heavy rainfall of up to 250 mm (10 inches) in just 24 hours, left a significant toll on both human life and infrastructure. In addition to the fatalities, over 319 people were reported injured, and thousands were displaced due to the widespread damage caused by the cyclone.
The cyclone caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods in northern Mozambique. Nearly 23,600 homes were destroyed, and over 170 fishing boats were lost, severely impacting local communities that rely on fishing for their livelihood. The storm also affected an estimated 175,000 people, leaving them without shelter or access to essential services. The northern part of Mozambique, where the cyclone struck, is already vulnerable due to ongoing conflict and economic underdevelopment, making recovery efforts even more challenging. The combination of these existing difficulties and the cyclone’s devastating impact has placed immense strain on affected communities.
Before hitting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido also impacted the island of Mayotte, where it is feared that hundreds of people may have died. After passing through Mozambique, the storm moved on to Malawi, causing further damage in the region. Zimbabwe, located to the west of Mozambique, remains on alert for potential heavy rains and flooding, as the cyclone is expected to dissipate near its borders. The scale of the disaster across multiple countries highlights the vulnerability of the region to such extreme weather events, particularly in areas already facing social and economic challenges.