Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique early Sunday, unleashing powerful winds and torrential rain after leaving a deadly trail in Mayotte, France’s Indian Ocean territory.
The storm struck approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the northern city of Pemba, with reports of significant damage and disrupted communication. “The cyclone is already affecting Pemba with a very strong intensity. We were monitoring the situation but there is no communication with Pemba since 7 am (0500 GMT),” said Aderito Aramuge, director of Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology.
The cyclone brought gusts reaching up to 260 kilometres per hour (160 mph) and up to 250 millimetres (10 inches) of rain in just 24 hours, affecting the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Early footage from Pemba revealed heavy downpours, fallen trees, and damaged homes.
UNICEF confirmed its teams were on the ground, working with local authorities to support affected communities. “Many homes, schools and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed and we are working closely with government to ensure continuity of essential basic services,” UNICEF said in a statement.
Before reaching Mozambique, Cyclone Chido ravaged Mayotte, where the death toll has risen to at least 14, according to updated figures from security officials. The storm’s intensity appeared to increase as it travelled across the Mozambique Channel.
Mozambique, a country frequently hit by cyclones, faces another challenge as communities brace for further impact from heavy rainfall, flooding, and high winds in the coming days.
