In brief
Following Cyclone Chido's landfall, Mozambique grapples with a rising death toll and extensive damage to homes and services, as emergency efforts continue amidst reports of severe impacts in the nearby French territory of Mayotte.
Cyclone Chido, one of the most intense storms recorded, has brought tragedy to northern Mozambique, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least 34 individuals. The country's National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) reported that many fatalities were caused by falling objects as the cyclone tore through communities. Making landfall on Sunday after previously hitting the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, Chido has caused devastation across several provinces, primarily Cabo Delgado, and has a recorded wind speed of approximately 260 km/h (160 mph). The cyclone's fierce winds and heavy rains also led to significant infrastructure damage, with more than 34,000 families losing their homes.The situation in neighbouring Mayotte appears grim, with fears of a catastrophic death toll amidst reports of widespread destruction and missing persons. International Federation of Red Cross spokesperson Tommaso Della Longa described the scene as akin to a natural disaster that has obliterated the region. He identified that over 200 Red Cross volunteers are currently unaccounted for in Mayotte, further complicating rescue efforts.Authorities in Mozambique indicated that the death toll could rise as rescue and recovery operations continue. The INGD referred to the circumstances as “heart-breaking” and warned of potential future storms, as northern provinces frequently face such natural disasters.Infrastructure in the region has also been severely affected, disrupting electricity and communication services. State-owned Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) reported that around 200,000 residents are currently without power. The situation has been further complicated by the presence of undocumented immigrants in Mayotte, many of whom did not seek shelter during the storm due to fears of deportation. This demographic, largely invisible to official disaster response protocols, could result in an unaccounted population regarding casualties.In light of the devastation, French authorities have implemented a night-time curfew to deter looting and bolster safety measures in Mayotte. With memories of last year’s Cyclone Freddy, which left over 180 people dead in Mozambique, the region remains on high alert for possible future threats as it seeks to recover from this latest disaster.
