Cyclone Chido has caused widespread destruction in Mozambique, leaving 94 people dead and over 768 injured, according to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD). The powerful storm has affected more than 622,000 people across the country since it struck on December 15.
With wind speeds reaching 260 km/h (160 mph) and 250 mm of rainfall within its first 24 hours, the cyclone initially made landfall in Cabo Delgado province before moving through Niassa and Nampula, regions frequently hit by extreme weather events.
Severe Impact on Education and Healthcare
The cyclone has severely disrupted Mozambique’s education and healthcare systems. Over 109,000 students have been affected as schools sustained heavy damage, while 52 healthcare facilities were rendered inoperable, depriving many of essential medical services.
Regional Impact of Cyclone Chido
Before reaching Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in Mayotte, marking the island’s worst storm in 90 years. The cyclone also impacted neighboring countries, including Malawi and Zimbabwe, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Mozambique’s vulnerability to such disasters highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation measures to protect its population and infrastructure from the growing threats of climate change.
