A statement by the council of ministers indicates that the mourning would begin at midnight on 20 December.

In a televised address on Thursday, President Filipe Nyusi expressed his condolences, offering support to the grieving families and affected communities.

He emphasized the government’s immediate focus on providing shelter, food, water, and other critical aid.

The cyclone devastated the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, damaging over 36,000 homes, 49 healthcare facilities, and key infrastructure.

More than 182,000 people are impacted, with emergency shelters set up for over 1,300 displaced individuals. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing to address the crisis.

The cyclone claimed at least 73 lives, injured over 540, and caused significant destruction.