Cyclone Chido, which struck several countries in Southeast Africa between December 13-16, is estimated to cause insured losses between €650 million and €800 million, according to French public reinsurer Caisse Centrale de Réassurance (CCR).
The cyclone’s impact was devastating, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive property damage. The archipelago had not experienced a cyclone of such strength since 1934.
CCR’s estimate covers losses under the French Cat Nat scheme, which includes around 10,000 claims for residential and commercial properties insured. This estimate is based on the fact that the multi-risk home insurance (MRH) coverage rate in Mayotte is 6%. At least 50% of the estimated cost will be directly covered by CCR under the French Cat Nat scheme.
In its weekly cat report, global insurance and reinsurance broker Aon detailed the storm’s path, noting it formed from a tropical disturbance southeast of Diego Garcia Island, which Météo-France had been monitoring since December 5.
On December 12, Chido reached its peak intensity, equivalent to a Category 4 storm, with winds of up to 155 mph (250 kph). The cyclone made landfall near Bandraboua on Mayotte on December 14, causing widespread damage. On December 15, Chido made landfall in Mozambique as a Category 3 storm, with winds exceeding 125 mph (200 kph) and heavy rainfall, resulting in severe damage.
Mayotte was one of the hardest-hit areas. As of Aon’s report, the cyclone had claimed at least 31 lives and injured around 1,700 people, with the numbers expected to rise.
The destruction was widespread, with more than 23,300 structures reported as damaged or destroyed. Other sources noted at least 8,000 damaged homes. The island’s capital, Mamoudzou, saw significant damage to both structures and infrastructure, and approximately 15,000 residents experienced power outages.
In Mozambique, the storm caused at least 45 deaths, over 500 injuries, and affected approximately 2 million people. More than 36,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, and there were substantial agricultural losses.
The cyclone also caused minor damage and power outages in Antsiranana, northern Madagascar, and injured two people on Anjouan Island, Comoros.
On Agaléga Island, part of Mauritius, many structures were destroyed or damaged due to strong winds and storm surges.
In Malawi, flooding from Chido led to additional losses, including 13 fatalities, 29 injuries, and thousands of affected homes.
Aon stated, “Due to the damage caused to structures, infrastructure, and agriculture in several areas, the total economic losses resulting from cyclone Chido could be substantial, possibly reaching hundreds of millions USD. However, it is still too early to determine the final figure as the damage assessment is ongoing.
“The insurance sector in Mayotte is likely to face substantial claims due to the extensive damage to structures, infrastructure, and agriculture. The high number of damaged or destroyed properties will result in notable payouts, and the ongoing assessment of losses will further determine the financial impact on insurers.”
