Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across southern Africa, leaving a trail of destruction in Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi. The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, reported that the cyclone has killed at least 34 people in Mozambique since it made landfall on Sunday, with over 174,000 people affected by the storm.
As of December 17, Mozambique’s disaster agency confirmed that the cyclone caused widespread damage, including the destruction of nearly 35,000 homes. The hardest-hit areas include the coastal city of Pemba, where communications were severed, and rural regions, where the damage is reported to be even more severe. A total of 319 people have been injured, and the country is grappling with extensive infrastructural damage, including schools and health facilities.
The storm initially hit the French island of Mayotte, where it caused significant devastation. Early reports suggest that hundreds, if not thousands, may have lost their lives on the island. Local authorities have warned of a looming humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food, water, and shelter compounding the challenges faced by survivors. The French government has dispatched rescue teams and emergency aid, but the full scale of the disaster remains unclear. Authorities are also concerned about potential outbreaks of disease and social unrest, with a curfew imposed to maintain order.
In neighboring Malawi, the cyclone triggered flooding in the southern region, affecting more than 8,000 people and claiming at least seven lives. The flooding caused significant damage to homes, schools, and health facilities, further straining the country’s already limited resources.
As relief efforts continue, the scale of Cyclone Chido’s impact is becoming clearer. Governments and aid organizations are working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to those affected. However, challenges remain, particularly in remote areas, where access has been hindered by the cyclone’s widespread destruction.
The storm highlights the increasing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilience. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as recovery efforts unfold across southern Africa.