Silverio Omari
Cyclone Chido has claimed at least 34 lives in Mozambique, according to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management, which released the latest figures on Tuesday.
The cyclone made landfall on Sunday in Cabo Delgado province, where 28 fatalities were recorded. Three additional deaths occurred in Nampula province, and another three in Niassa province, further inland. The cyclone brought devastating winds of up to 260 kilometers per hour (160 miles per hour) and torrential rainfall of 250 millimeters (10 inches) within 24 hours. Additionally, 319 people sustained injuries in the disaster.
The storm wreaked havoc on nearly 23,600 homes and 170 fishing boats, impacting approximately 175,000 people.
Cyclone Chido struck a vulnerable region in northern Mozambique, which frequently suffers from cyclones and struggles with ongoing conflict and underdevelopment. Before reaching Mozambique, the cyclone swept across the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, where it is feared to have caused hundreds of deaths.
After its path through Mozambique, Chido moved into Malawi on Monday and was expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe on Tuesday, prompting the latter to remain on alert for potential heavy rains.
Dj Vnyash
