The death toll for Mozambique's death toll from Cyclone Chido has risen to 94. This is according to the country's National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD). The cyclone had made landfall in northern Mozambique a week ago and Mozambique's disaster management agency on Thursday had given the death toll at 73. The Indian Ocean archipelago Mayotte bore the brunt of the storm. Officials in Mayotte, which is one of France's poorest overseas territories, have only been able to confirm 35 fatalities from Chido, but some have said they fear thousands could have been killed.
INGD said 768 people were injured and more than 622,000 people were affected by the natural disaster in some capacity.
Chido struck Mozambique on 15 December with winds of 260 km/h (160mph) and 250mm of rainfall in the first 24 hours.
The same cyclone had first wreaked havoc in the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, before moving on to Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
Daniel Chapo, leader of Mozambique's ruling party, told local media the government is soliciting support on "all levels" in response to the cyclone.
Speaking during a visit to Cabo Delgado on Sunday, one of the most badly affected areas, Chapo disclosed that the government is working alongside the INGD to ensure those affected in the provinces of Mecúfi, Nampula, Memba, and Niassa can rebuild.
