Cyclone Chido Claims 45 Lives in Mozambique, Leaves Thousands Displaced

Cabo Delgado, Mozambique – The death toll from Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to at least 45, with hundreds more injured, according to the United Nations.

The cyclone struck on Sunday, unleashing winds of up to 260 kilometres per hour and causing widespread devastation in the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula.

More than 35,000 homes were either destroyed or severely damaged by the storm, leaving tens of thousands of families displaced. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has responded with an initial emergency aid disbursement of $4 million to support relief efforts for an estimated 181,000 affected people.

Relief Efforts Underway

Emergency teams are working to provide immediate assistance to displaced families while assessing the full extent of the destruction. Aid workers report that food, water, sanitation, shelter, and survival kits are urgently needed to address the critical needs of affected communities.

“Our priority is to ensure that people have access to life-saving support,” a humanitarian worker in Cabo Delgado stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Compounded Challenges

The cyclone’s impact has further strained a region already grappling with conflict and underdevelopment. Resettlement centres established for people displaced by ongoing violence in Cabo Delgado were among the hardest hit, leaving some of the most vulnerable populations in dire conditions.

International Response

Humanitarian organisations have appealed for additional resources to support the response efforts. The $4 million emergency aid provided by OCHA is expected to cover immediate needs, but long-term recovery will require substantial international support. The UN has urged donor countries to contribute generously to assist Mozambique in rebuilding affected communities.

Cyclone Chido’s destruction highlights the increasing vulnerability of Mozambique to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change. As relief efforts continue, the focus remains on saving lives, providing essential aid, and beginning the arduous process of recovery in the storm’s aftermath.