Cyclone Chido Hits Mozambique, Wrecks Havoc in Mayotte

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction in Mayotte before making landfall in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province on December 15, 2024. This powerful storm wreaked havoc on Mayotte, leaving entire neighborhoods flattened and causing severe damage. After crossing the Mozambique Channel, Cyclone Chido intensified and impacted northern Mozambique, with strong winds exceeding 200 km/h and heavy rainfall, threatening lives and properties.

Cyclone Chido Overview

• Category 4 storm that made landfall in Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15.
• Prior devastation in the French overseas department of Mayotte, with winds exceeding 220 km/h.

Impact on Mayotte

• Devastated neighborhoods with extreme winds (220 km/h).
• Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead, though accurate death toll difficult due to local burial practices.
• This is the strongest cyclone to hit Mayotte in over 90 years.

Impact on Mozambique

• Landfall in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.
• Winds exceeding 200 km/h and heavy rains caused damage to Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa.
• Estimated 1.7 million people were affected in Mozambique.
• Risks of flash floods, heavy rains, and destructive winds continue.

Emergency Response

• Malawi Red Cross: On the ground in southern Malawi, responding to the storm’s impact.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM): Assisting with assessment and coordination of early response in Mozambique.
• UNICEF: Concerned about the long-term impacts on vulnerable populations in Mozambique, coordinating with local partners for aid distribution.

Government and Global Efforts

• Mozambique’s government, alongside humanitarian organizations, is actively assessing the situation and providing immediate assistance.
• Partners continue to reinforce emergency response efforts, including measures for protecting children and ensuring safe distribution of aid.