Cyclone Chido’s Impact: Death Toll in Mozambique Reaches 120

Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has resulted in 120 confirmed fatalities and nearly 900 injuries, with extensive damage to homes and infrastructure reported. The storm made landfall on December 15, following its initial impact on Mayotte. Other affected countries include Madagascar, Comoros, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, where additional casualties were reported.

The death toll resulting from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has tragically increased to 120 individuals, as confirmed by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The devastating category 4 cyclone struck Mozambique on December 15, unleashing winds of 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph) and over 250mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. In addition to the fatalities, nearly 900 individuals sustained injuries, and many residents have been left homeless due to significant destruction to their homes. Vital infrastructure, including schools and health centers, has also suffered extensive damage. The cyclone initially impacted the French overseas territory of Mayotte on December 14, where it was reported to have caused 35 fatalities, although local groups suggest that this number may be considerably higher. The cyclone’s effects were felt beyond Mozambique, with affected areas including Madagascar, Comoros, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, where Chido claimed an additional 13 lives and injured 29 others, alongside damaging numerous homes and infrastructures.

Cyclone Chido represents a significant natural disaster that has adversely affected multiple countries in the Southern Africa region. Beginning its destructive path in Mayotte, the storm transitioned to Mozambique, where it intensified and caused widespread devastation. The cyclone’s high wind speeds and heavy rainfall have led to numerous fatalities and significant social and economic disruption. Understanding the cyclone’s trajectory and its impacts on infrastructure and human life is crucial for effective disaster response and recovery efforts.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has had catastrophic effects, resulting in the loss of 120 lives and injuring nearly 900 others in Mozambique alone. The storm’s destruction is not limited to residential areas but also extends to critical infrastructure, necessitating prompt humanitarian response and recovery measures. The broader impact across several Southern African countries underscores the cyclone’s widespread devastation and the urgent need for coordinated disaster management initiatives.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr