Cyclone Chido kills 94 people in Mozambique
3 min read
Cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation in Mozambique, claiming the lives of at least 94 people since it made landfall on December 15, 2024. The cyclone, which brought fierce winds of up to 260 km/h (160 mph) and torrential rainfall of 250mm in just 24 hours, severely impacted northern regions of the country. According to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD), 768 people have been injured, and over 622,000 individuals have been affected by the storm in various ways.
Chido, which initially struck the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, then continued its destructive path through Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. In Mozambique, it primarily ravaged the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula, regions already vulnerable to cyclones. These areas have long struggled with infrastructure challenges, and the cyclone exacerbated the difficulties residents already face.
The storm has had significant repercussions on essential public services, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors. More than 109,000 students have been affected, with extensive damage to school buildings, disrupting education for many children. Additionally, the cyclone severely damaged 52 healthcare units, putting more strain on a system that was already under pressure. For many living in remote or rural areas, access to healthcare is limited, and the destruction of medical facilities poses a critical threat to the well-being of local populations.
The government of Mozambique has mobilized efforts to support the affected communities. Daniel Chapo, a leader of the ruling Frelimo party, stated that the government is working closely with the INGD to address the needs of those affected. Chapo emphasized the government’s commitment to rebuilding the most devastated areas, including Cabo Delgado, Mecúfi, Nampula, Memba, and Niassa. The government is providing aid at all levels, from emergency relief to long-term recovery efforts.
In addition to the tragic loss of life in Mozambique, the storm wreaked havoc in Mayotte, where it was the worst cyclone in 90 years. The cyclone left tens of thousands of residents struggling with the aftermath. Mayotte’s interior ministry reported 35 confirmed deaths, but officials warned that the toll could rise significantly as more damage is assessed. The situation in Mayotte remains dire, with many people still lacking basic necessities. The French government has been working tirelessly to deliver emergency supplies, with over 1,300 officers deployed to assist the local population.
Despite ongoing recovery efforts, many areas in Mayotte remain without running water, although authorities are gradually restoring essential services. The French Ministry of the Interior reported distributing 80 tonnes of food and 50 tonnes of water on December 22, with an air bridge set up between Mayotte, Reunion Island, and mainland France to facilitate the delivery of supplies. The local government has advised residents to boil water before use to prevent health risks.
Cyclones like Chido are a reminder of the increasing vulnerability of communities to climate-related disasters. The cyclone’s intensity and damage are a reflection of how climate change is influencing tropical storm patterns. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated that rising global temperatures contribute to increased precipitation associated with cyclones. Additionally, there is medium confidence that human activities have made these storms more intense and more likely to cause severe damage.
The situation in Mozambique and Mayotte underscores the need for more resilient infrastructure and better disaster preparedness in the face of climate change. Both nations face the challenge of rebuilding damaged communities while addressing the long-term effects of climate change on their populations. The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and effective climate action to mitigate the impacts of such natural disasters. As Mozambique begins the arduous task of recovery, the storm serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks posed by climate change and the vulnerability of communities in disaster-prone regions.
The cyclone’s aftermath also highlights the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies, including better planning and resilience-building measures to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations in future events.
About The Author
