Mozambique devastated by Cyclone Chido: UN Reports rising death toll and widespread damage

The death toll in Mozambique has climbed to at least 45, with hundreds more injured following the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, according to the United Nations. The cyclone, which made landfall on Sunday, unleashed winds of up to 260 kilometers per hour, primarily battering the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that over 35,000 homes were either destroyed or severely damaged, leaving tens of thousands of families displaced. Emergency teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to assess the full scale of the disaster and provide immediate relief to those affected.

In response to the crisis, the UN has allocated $4 million in emergency aid to support the estimated 181,000 people impacted by Cyclone Chido. Relief efforts are prioritizing essential needs, including food, clean water, sanitation, shelter, and survival kits to aid recovery in the hardest-hit areas.

The cyclone’s destruction adds to the region’s existing challenges, including ongoing conflict and underdevelopment. Many resettlement centers housing people previously displaced by violence have also been severely impacted, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Aid workers and humanitarian organizations emphasize the urgent need for coordinated efforts to help communities rebuild and recover.

Global Call for Support

As relief operations continue, the international community is being urged to step up support for Mozambique, a country facing not only natural disasters but also long-term socio-economic struggles.