Death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique rises to 94 – DW – 12/22/2024
The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to 94, according to the country’s disaster management agency.
Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique a week ago. Although the most devastated area after the impact of Chido was the Mayotte Archipelago, Mozambique was the second most affected area.
In particular, the storm devastated the northern province of Cabo Delgado with winds of about 260 kilometers (160 mi) per hour, dumping 250 millimeters (10 in) of rain in one day in the area.
About 620,000 Mozambicans were affected by the storm, more than 500,000 of whom were concentrated in the region of Cabo Delgado.
Experts say the strength of Cyclone Chido and its impacts have become more intense due to human-driven climate change.
Mozambique is still struggling with political unrest
Cabo Delgado is regularly ravaged by tropical storms, but has also struggled with unrest from a long-running Islamic insurgency.
The devastation from Cyclone Chido comes as Mozambique is still reeling from political unrest following post-election violence that left at least 130 people dead.
Daniel Chapo, presidential candidate for the ruling Frelimo party, visited the affected areas on Sunday.
His victory at the ballot box in October sparked unrest, as the opposition alleged fraud.
Chapo urged citizens across the country to donate food and clothing to the cyclone victims.
“Even if we are using them, our brothers need them,” he urged.
jcg/kb (AFP, Reuters)