The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has risen to 45, the National Institute for Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) confirmed on Wednesday.
The powerful cyclone made landfall on Sunday in northern Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, causing winds of up to 260 kilometers per hour (160 miles per hour) and torrential rain of 250 millimeters (10 inches) in 24 hours.
Initial reports on Tuesday cited 34 deaths, but the latest figures show: 38 deaths in Cabo Delgado, 4 deaths in Nampula province, 3 deaths in Niassa province and 1 person missing.
Additionally, nearly 500 people were injured during the storm.
Cyclone Chido has caused significant damage across northern Mozambique, with reports detailing: 24,000 homes destroyed, 12,300 homes partially destroyed and more than 181,000 people affected.
The cyclone hit a region already struggling with conflict, underdevelopment and frequent natural disasters, exacerbating the vulnerability of its residents.
Before reaching Mozambique, Cyclone Chido devastated the island of Mayotte, in the Indian Ocean. While official casualty figures are not yet available in Mayotte, the storm is feared to have killed hundreds or even thousands of people there.
Rescue and relief efforts are underway in Mozambique as emergency teams race to help survivors and provide them with shelter, food and medical aid.
The INGD is coordinating with local authorities and international partners to assess the damage and provide urgent support to affected communities.