The death toll from Cyclone Chido, which devastated parts of Mozambique and Mayotte last week, has risen to 120, according to the country’s disaster management agency. The powerful storm, fueled by climate change, brought torrential rains and destructive winds, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
In Mozambique, over 110,000 homes were destroyed, and more than 500,000 people have been affected by the cyclone. The northern province of Cabo Delgado, already grappling with an ongoing insurgency, was particularly hard-hit.
The cyclone also caused significant damage in Mayotte, a French island territory in the Indian Ocean. At least 35 people lost their lives in Mayotte, and the actual toll is feared to be higher due to the large number of undocumented migrants residing in vulnerable areas.
The impact of Cyclone Chido comes at a time when Mozambique is facing multiple crises. The country is grappling with a political crisis following disputed presidential elections, where opposition parties allege widespread electoral fraud.Violent protests erupted, leading to the deaths of over 130 people, according to civil society groups.
Furthermore, the country is recovering from a severe drought that has severely impacted food security and exacerbated humanitarian needs.
The devastating impact of Cyclone Chido underscores the urgent need for increased support for disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation efforts in vulnerable regions.