The death toll from Cyclone Chido has climbed to 94 in Mozambique, according to the country’s disaster management agency.
The powerful storm, which swept across southeastern Africa earlier this week, has left a trail of devastation in its wake, displacing thousands and destroying critical infrastructure.
In Mayotte, a French overseas territory that bore the brunt of the cyclone, officials have confirmed 35 fatalities. However, fears are mounting that the true toll may be far higher, with some reports suggesting the number of deaths could reach the thousands.
Rescue efforts in the area have been hampered by widespread flooding and destroyed communication lines, leaving many remote communities inaccessible.
In Mozambique, the cyclone’s aftermath has compounded existing challenges in the wake of post-election civil unrest.
The country’s economic outlook for 2024 is already under review, with Olamide Harrison, the International Monetary Fund’s Mozambique representative, warning that growth projections may be downgraded from the previous forecast of 4.3%.
Humanitarian agencies are working around the clock to provide relief to affected regions, but resources remain stretched. “The situation is dire,” said a Red Cross official on the ground. “We need immediate international support to address the scale of this disaster.”
As Cyclone Chido’s impact continues to unfold, authorities in both Mozambique and Mayotte are calling for urgent aid to help rebuild lives and prevent further loss.
