Mozambique’s Death Toll from Cyclone Chido Revised Up to 94 Amid Ongoing Recovery

Mozambique has revised the death toll from Tropical Cyclone Chido to 94 as recovery efforts progress. The cyclone inflicted extensive damage, particularly in Cabo Delgado, while authorities in Mayotte anticipate a rising death toll amidst recovery efforts. The storm also caused fatalities in Malawi as it moved inland, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.

Mozambique has announced a revised death toll of 94 following the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck last week. Initially reported at 76 fatalities, the country’s disaster management agency updated the figures as recovery efforts continue. The cyclone, which reached category four strength, inflicted catastrophic damage across the west Indian Ocean, particularly affecting Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, where winds exceeded 260 kilometers per hour and rainfall reached 250 millimeters in just one day, resulting in the destruction of 110,000 homes. Approximately 500,000 of the 620,000 individuals affected by the storm are in Cabo Delgado.

In parallel, the French island territory of Mayotte is grappling with its own consequences from the cyclone. Official reports from Mayotte’s interior ministry indicate at least 35 deaths and 2,500 injuries; however, the death toll could increase significantly due to the large number of undocumented migrants residing in informal settlements who remain unaccounted for. French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks during a visit to survey the devastation attracted criticism from some politicians, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the situation in Mayotte, which also claims sovereignty over the island. After Mozambique, the cyclone further traversed into Malawi, leading to 13 fatalities and nearly 30 injuries, despite the storm’s diminished intensity.

The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, a severe weather event that recently impacted several regions in the Indian Ocean, has brought significant loss of life and property damage. Meteorologists classify Cyclone Chido as having reached category four strength, which typically entails sustained winds of 130 to 156 miles per hour, resulting in substantial destruction in its path. The storm made landfall in Mozambique shortly after wreaking havoc on Mayotte, a French territorial island, showcasing the adverse effects of climate change on weather patterns and intensity. Nations in the cyclone’s trajectory face ongoing recovery challenges amid political strife and humanitarian concerns.

In summary, the tragic toll resulting from Tropical Cyclone Chido has been marked by a revised death count in Mozambique, reported at 94 fatalities, and ongoing concerns regarding the situation in Mayotte. The cyclone’s impact underscores the devastating capacity of extreme weather events, particularly as climate change exacerbates such occurrences. Recovery efforts will require a coordinated response to address both immediate needs and long-term rebuilding efforts in affected regions.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au