Cyclone Chido has left Mozambique in a state of devastation, claiming 94 lives and affecting over 622,000 people since it struck last week. The powerful storm made landfall in the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula, unleashing winds of up to 260 km/h (160 mph) and dumping 250 mm of rainfall within 24 hours.

The aftermath has been catastrophic. According to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD), 768 people were injured, and over 110,000 homes were destroyed. The cyclone also caused extensive damage to key sectors, leaving more than 109,793 students without access to education and destroying 52 health facilities.

Cyclone Chido’s destructive journey began in Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, where it claimed 35 lives before moving on to Mozambique. In Mozambique, its impact has been described as overwhelming, exposing the country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters and underscoring the urgent need for resilient infrastructure planning.

In response to the crisis, Daniel Chapo, a leader of Mozambique’s ruling party, visited Cabo Delgado, one of the hardest-hit areas. He assured residents that the government, in collaboration with INGD, is committed to rebuilding the damaged infrastructure and restoring normalcy. Efforts are underway at all levels of government to mobilize resources and provide relief to affected communities.

As Mozambique struggles to recover from this catastrophic event, international support is urgently needed to aid the rebuilding process and strengthen the country’s capacity to withstand future climate challenges.