The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has climbed to 73, with 543 individuals reported injured, the country’s disaster relief agency announced on Thursday.
Striking the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, Cyclone Chido unleashed widespread devastation, displacing thousands and damaging critical infrastructure. Torrential rains and fierce winds uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and left many communities isolated.
According to a report issued by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), the government has opened two emergency accommodation centers. These centers are currently housing 1,349 people in urgent need of support, providing shelter and basic necessities to those who have lost everything.
Local authorities and humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to reach affected areas, many of which remain cut off due to flooded roads and collapsed bridges. Rescue teams are navigating challenging conditions to deliver food, clean water, and medical aid to survivors.
“Our priority is to save lives and provide immediate assistance to the displaced,” an INGD spokesperson said. “We are coordinating efforts to ensure that relief reaches all affected communities as quickly as possible.”
The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido highlights the increasing vulnerability of Mozambique to extreme weather events. The country, still recovering from past cyclones, faces ongoing challenges in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
Regional and international assistance is being mobilized to support recovery efforts. Aid agencies are calling for additional resources to address the urgent needs of those affected and to help rebuild damaged infrastructure.
Residents in risk-prone areas are urged to remain vigilant as weather conditions can change rapidly. The government continues to issue updates and safety advisories to help communities stay informed and prepared.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
