Cyclone Chido Devastates Mozambique: Death Toll Rises to 120

Cyclone Chido has caused at least 120 deaths in Mozambique with nearly 900 injuries reported. The category 4 storm made landfall on December 15, resulting in extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, following its initial impact in Mayotte. The cyclone has also affected Madagascar, Comoros, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, with substantial fatalities and injuries reported in those areas.

The death toll attributed to Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen from 94 to 120, as reported by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). This severe category 4 tropical cyclone made landfall on December 15, unleashing wind speeds reaching 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph) and 250 mm of rainfall within the first 24 hours. Approximately 900 individuals sustained injuries, and many have been rendered homeless due to extensive damage to their residences. The storm has also significantly affected vital infrastructure, including schools and health facilities, exacerbating the crisis in the affected areas.

Additionally, Cyclone Chido initially impacted the French overseas territory of Mayotte on December 14, where winds surpassed 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph), causing considerable destruction. Official reports from Mayotte indicate a death toll of 35, although some humanitarian organizations suggest this figure could be significantly underestimated. Beyond Mozambique, the cyclone’s effects were felt in Madagascar, Comoros, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, with the latter reporting 13 fatalities and 29 injuries, along with numerous damaged properties and infrastructure.

Cyclone Chido has emerged as one of the most devastating tropical storms to affect the region, causing considerable mortality and injuries across multiple countries. Making landfall in Mozambique, the cyclone’s winds and rainfall had devastating effects on both human life and infrastructure. The response from the government and aid organizations is critical in mitigating the effects of this disaster, highlighting the importance of disaster risk management in cyclone-prone areas.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe losses, with the death toll reaching at least 120 in Mozambique and affecting numerous other countries in the region. The widespread damage to infrastructure, including homes, schools, and health centers, signifies the extensive impact of this disaster. Immediate humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts are essential to support those affected and restore normalcy in these regions.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr