The devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido has left northern Mozambique reeling, with authorities confirming the death toll has climbed to 94. The cyclone, which made landfall on December 15, 2024, brought destructive winds of up to 260 kilometers per hour and torrential rainfall, causing extensive damage across several provinces.
According to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), the immediate aftermath of the storm has left at least 768 people injured and affected around 622,000 residents. Most casualties were recorded in Cabo Delgado province, where the cyclone's impact was particularly severe. Out of the 94 confirmed fatalities, 84 occurred there, with seven additional deaths attributed to Nampula province and three to the Niassa region.
Antonio Bonifacio, adviser for Mozambique's National Institute of Disaster Management, remarked, "The impact was extremely devastating," highlighting the storm's destructive nature. The cyclone destroyed or severely damaged approximately 140,628 homes, 52 medical centers, and 250 schools, according to the latest government figures. The chaos has compounded vulnerabilities as many, particularly children and families, have lost everything.
The scale of the disaster has prompted Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi to declare a two-day period of national mourning. He emphasized the government's commitment to restoring necessary public services, stating, "Restoring public services remains the government's top priority." Essential services affected include electricity, water supply, and communication systems, which are urgently needed for recovery.
Unfortunately, Cyclone Chido did not stop at Mozambique. It crossed over to neighboring Malawi, where it claimed at least 13 lives. The cyclone had initially wreaked havoc on the French archipelago of Mayotte before reaching the African mainland, where it wreaked destruction across already vulnerable regions. Mayotte recorded 35 deaths and around 2,500 injuries, leaving behind significant destruction.
This cyclone season, stretching from October to April, often subjects southern Africa to tropical storms, posing threats to life and property. Experts warn about the intensifying severity of such storms, linking them to climate change. Historical data shows Cyclone Freddy, which struck earlier this year, had already claimed numerous lives across the region.
Climate change's impact on tropical cyclones continues to emerge. The UN's climate body has noted, "There is high confidence" human activity has contributed to increases in cyclonic precipitation intensity. The rising temperatures affect patterns and ferocity of storms, demonstrating the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
Looking forward, the Mozambican government's response involves considerable mobilization of resources at all levels to help those affected, especially in Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula provinces. They are working hard to provide emergency shelter, healthcare access, and rebuilding efforts for destroyed educational institutions.
Despite the calamity, community responses highlight resilience among those affected, as recovery efforts gear up. Humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF, are delivering lifesaving supplies to vulnerable populations. The focus remains on restoring hope amid devastation and providing support to families who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Meanwhile, as Mozambique grapples with the aftermath, attention is drawn to the need for systemic changes to mitigate the ramifications of climate change and adopt proactive resilience strategies. The government is under pressure to build not only recoverable but also resilient communities able to withstand future storms.
While rebuilding efforts are underway, the cycles of destruction brought by cyclones serve as harsh reminders of nature's might and the pressing need for comprehensive environmental plans. Cyclone Chido's story is far from over, as Mozambique and its neighbors face the long road to recovery, grappling with grief, loss, and the pursuit of safety against climate change-related disasters.
