Cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation in both Mayotte and Mozambique, leading to significant loss of life and destruction of infrastructure.
As of December 21, 2024, Cyclone Chido has claimed 76 lives in Mozambique, according to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management.
The cyclone made landfall on December 15, following its catastrophic impact on Mayotte, where initial reports suggested that hundreds may have perished due to the storm’s intensity.
In Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province, nearly 62,000 homes were destroyed, affecting over 175,000 people.
Chido struck Mayotte on December 14 with wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h, marking it as the strongest storm to hit the archipelago in over 90 years.
The storm caused severe flooding and damage to infrastructure, including hospitals and roads. Reports indicate that at least 31 fatalities have been confirmed in Mayotte, with many more feared unaccounted for.
The International Organization for Migration has highlighted urgent needs for the affected populations in both regions, including shelter, food, and essential non-food items such as hygiene kits and mosquito nets.
Relief efforts are ongoing, but many areas remain difficult to access due to the extensive damage.
With the cyclone’s passage through Mozambique and Malawi, there are concerns about further displacement and humanitarian crises as the rainy season continues. Organizations like UNHCR are mobilizing support but face challenges due to dwindling resources.
This situation underscores the severe impact of climate-related disasters on vulnerable communities, necessitating immediate international assistance and long-term recovery plans.