The death toll from Tropical Cyclone Chido has reached 45 in Mozambique and 13 in neighbouring Malawi, authorities have announced.
According to officials, the cyclone has left a trail of destruction in its wake, affecting thousands of people across both countries.
In Mozambique, the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) reported on Wednesday that 38 people were killed in Cabo Delgado province, four in Nampula and three in Niassa.
INGD chairperson Luisa Meque warned that the number of fatalities could rise as assessments of the damage continue.
“Much as the storm has calmed down, there is a likelihood that the number of fatalities is going to rise, as we are still assessing the extent of the damage,” she said.
Nearly 500 people were injured and about 24,000 homes were destroyed, with another 12,300 partially damaged, Meque said.
More than 181,000 people have been affected by the storm, which brought winds of around 260 kilometres per hour and heavy rainfall of around 250 millimetres in 24 hours.
In neighbouring Malawi, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) reported that the death toll has reached 13, with 45,160 people rendered homeless in five districts of the southern region.
DoDMA head Charles Kalemba said at least 29 people have been injured in the storm.
JN/APA