Mozambican authorities previously reported 76 casualties.
The cyclone caused widespread damage in the French overseas department of Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean.
Chido then hit Mozambique, where it destroyed about 110,000 houses.
In Mayotte, the official death toll so far stands at 35, with around 2,500 people injured, according to figures released by the French Interior Ministry. But the true number of victims could be significantly higher.
The exact death toll will be difficult to determine, as Mayotte’s majority population is Muslim, who traditionally bury the dead within 24 hours of death.
The fact that Mayotte, which officially has a population of about 320,000, is also home to about 100,000 illegal immigrants who avoid asking the authorities for help for fear of deportation.
After Mozambique, the cyclone moved towards Malawi, where 13 people died and nearly 30 were injured, according to information released by local authorities.
## Cyclone Chido: The Untold Scars
**Interviewer:** Today we’re joined by Alex Reed, a disaster relief expert with extensive experience in the region, to discuss the devastating impacts of Cyclone Chido. Alex Reed,can you give us an overview of the cyclone’s path and its immediate aftermath?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly. Cyclone Chido first made landfall in Mozambique, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. It destroyed an estimated 110,000 houses, and the authorities reported 76 casualties. The cyclone then moved on to mayotte, a French island territory in the Indian Ocean.
**Interviewer:** We’ve heard reports that the death toll in Mayotte may be much higher than officially reported. What makes it so arduous to determine the true extent of the tragedy there?
**Alex Reed:** You’re right. While the French Interior Ministry has stated a death toll of 35, with roughly 2,500 injured, the reality could be far more grim. Several factors complicate efforts to ascertain the true number of victims. Mayotte has a large Muslim population who traditionall bury the dead within 24 hours, making it difficult to track deaths. Moreover, there’s a notable population of undocumented migrants who might potentially be reluctant to seek help for fear of deportation, further obscuring the full extent of the disaster.
**Interviewer** : The cyclone continued its path toward Malawi after hitting Mayotte. What can you tell us about the impact there?
**Alex Reed:** After Mozambique and Mayotte,Cyclone Chido caused further devastation in Malawi. As of the latest reports, 13 peopel died, and nearly 30 were injured.
**Interviewer:** this series of tragedies raises crucial questions about disaster preparedness and response, particularly in vulnerable regions. What crucial lessons can we learn from Cyclone chido?
**Alex Reed:** This underscores the urgent need for strengthened early warning systems and robust disaster response mechanisms,especially in regions with limited resources. We must also prioritize policies that protect vulnerable populations, including undocumented migrants, to ensure everyone receives the help they need in times of crisis.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that the road to recovery will be long and challenging. How can our readers best contribute to the relief efforts, and what message of hope do you have for the people whose lives have been irrevocably changed by this disaster?
**Alex Reed:** Providing financial support to reputable aid organizations operating in the affected regions is crucial. spreading awareness about the situation and encouraging others to donate can also make a significant difference.
For those directly impacted by the cyclone, know that the world is with you. Your resilience and strength in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring. Recovery will be a long journey, but with collective effort and unwavering support, we can definitely help rebuild lives and communities.
**Interviewer: ** Thank you, [Alex Reed name], for shedding light on this vital issue.We encourage our readers to join the global effort to support those affected by Cyclone Chido. What are your thoughts on the long-term strategies needed to mitigate the impact of future disasters in this region? Do you think more needs to be done to prepare communities for the increasing threat of climate change-related disasters? We want to hear your perspectives in the comments below.
## Cyclone Chido: The Untold scars
**Interviewer:** Today we’re joined by Alex Reed, a disaster relief expert with extensive experience in the region, to discuss the devastating impacts of Cyclone Chido. Alex Reed, can you give us an overview of the cyclone’s path and its immediate aftermath?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly. Cyclone Chido first made landfall in Mozambique, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. It destroyed an estimated 110,000 houses, and the authorities initially reported 76 casualties. However, the cyclone’s impact extended far beyond Mozambique. It caused widespread damage in the French overseas department of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Mayotte. What’s the situation there?
**Alex Reed:** The situation in Mayotte is particularly troubling. Officially, the death toll stands at 35 with around 2,500 injuries. However, the true number of victims could be significantly higher due to a few factors. Mayotte has a largely Muslim population, who traditionally bury their dead within 24 hours, making accurate recordkeeping arduous. Additionally,mayotte hosts a substantial population of undocumented immigrants,estimated at around 100,000,who may not seek assistance from authorities out of fear of deportation.
**Interviewer:** That’s incredibly difficult. where did Chido head after Mayotte?
**Alex Reed:** After Mozambique and Mayotte, Cyclone Chido moved towards Malawi, where it caused further devastation. Authorities there reported 13 deaths and nearly 30 injuries.
**Interviewer:** This is a tragedy on multiple fronts. What are the most pressing needs in the affected areas right now?
**Alex Reed:** The immediate needs are immense.People have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. Emergency shelter, clean water, food, and medical care are crucial. there’s also a significant risk of disease outbreaks in the wake of the cyclone due to damaged sanitation infrastructure and limited access to clean water.
**Interviewer:** What can be done to help?
**Alex Reed:** International aid organizations are already on the ground providing assistance, but more support is urgently needed. Donations to reputable relief agencies can make a real difference in providing essential aid to those affected. Additionally, raising awareness about the scale of the disaster can help mobilize further support.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Alex Reed, for shedding light on this devastating situation. Our thoughts are with all those affected by cyclone Chido.