The death toll from Cyclone Chido, which hit Mozambique, has increased to 120, local authorities reported on Monday. The element also caused enormous damage in Mayotte, a French overseas territory. Due to this disaster, Monday was declared a day of national mourning in France.
On Monday, the Mozambican Institute for Risk and Disaster Management reported that the death toll from Cyclone Chido, which hit the country on December 15, has risen to at least 120 people. Nearly 900 people were injured. On Sunday, the services reported 540 people injured.
Destroyed houses and schools
The passage of Cyclone Chido caused enormous damage. The element destroyed everything in its path. Mozambican authorities estimate that approximately 140,000 homes, 52 health centers, 89 public buildings and 250 schools were damaged.
The greatest destruction occurred in the province of Cabo Delgado. The fire struck near the town of Pemba, tearing off roofs and damaging infrastructure and power lines. The cyclone also passed through the provinces of Nampula and Niassa.
Destruction in Mozambique after Cyclone ChidoReuters
Day of national mourning
The cyclone caused extensive damage on the island of Mayotte off the coast of East Africa, which is one of the poorest French overseas territories. According to the French Interior Ministry, 35 deaths and approximately 2,500 injuries were reported.
– There will probably be many more victims, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday during his visit to Mayotte. Due to this disaster, Monday was declared a day of national mourning in France. Macron and his wife Brigitte honored the victims with a minute of silence at the Elysée Palace in Paris. The meteorological service Meteo France reported that Cyclone Chido was the strongest stormwhich has hit Mayotte for over 90 years.
A minute of silence in front of the Elysée PalacePAP/EPA/THOMAS PADILLA / POOL
Enormous destruction in MayotteReuters
Main photo source: Lemor David/ABACA/PAP/EPA