Powerful Cyclone Chido Leads to Devastation in Mozambique and Mayotte

Cyclone Chido has caused tragic loss of life and extensive destruction across northern Mozambique and the French territory of Mayotte, with increasing death tolls and widespread damage reported.

At least 34 fatalities have been confirmed in northern Mozambique following the catastrophic arrival of Cyclone Chido, described by officials as one of the most severe storms recorded in the region's history. The storm made landfall on Sunday and has been linked to widespread devastation in the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, where hundreds are feared dead.

The National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) noted that many of the deceased in Mozambique were killed by falling debris from collapsed structures. The cyclone's impact has been severe, with winds reaching approximately 260 km/h (160 mph). Over 34,000 families have been displaced as homes were obliterated, alongside critical infrastructure, including schools and health facilities.

Chido especially devastated the northern provinces, which are frequently affected by cyclones and face additional threats from ongoing Islamist militant attacks. Following its landfall in Cabo Delgado, the cyclone moved further into Niassa and Nampula provinces, tragically claiming the life of a three-year-old girl.

As a direct result of the storm, approximately 200,000 customers remain without power, with state-owned company Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) reporting significant disruptions to electricity and communications.

Meanwhile, in Mayotte, the destruction is reported to be catastrophic, with at least 21 people confirmed dead, though the actual number may reach hundreds. The situation is dire, with many missing, including over 200 Red Cross volunteers. Infrastructure damage has left many roads impassable, complicating emergency response efforts. French authorities imposed a night-time curfew to deter looting in the aftermath of the cyclone's impact.

French MP Estelle Youssouffa has voiced concerns over the scale of loss, estimating that tens of thousands may have perished as a result of the cyclone. The destruction of buildings—90% of which were impacted—casts doubt on the prospect of obtaining an accurate account of casualties, particularly in areas where undocumented immigrants reside, who may avoid shelters out of fear of deportation.

The memory of the previous year's Cyclone Freddy still lingers, which left over 180 people dead in Mozambique. As communities recover from this latest disaster, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance remains critical.