Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, resulting in catastrophic damages, including 23,598 homes destroyed and numerous health facilities impacted. Significant injuries and fatalities have been reported, with a critical need for humanitarian aid to address water supply crises and health care challenges in the affected provinces. Pemba City is at risk of flooding due to the cyclone’s impacts.
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the Mecufi district in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, on the morning of December 15, 2024, bringing torrential rains of up to 250mm and winds reaching 180km/h. As the cyclone moved towards Malawi and subsequently dissipated in Zimbabwe, provinces such as Cabo Delgado suffered significant infrastructural damage. Preliminary reports detail the destruction of approximately 23,598 homes, damage to 149 schools, and impacts on 37 health facilities, creating acute challenges in healthcare and public safety.
In Cabo Delgado Province, districts such as Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba faced overwhelming devastation. In Mecufi, nearly all homes were damaged, forcing 400 families into homelessness, with the human toll reflecting 16 confirmed deaths and 50 injuries. Medical operations have been severely compromised, with healthcare services being conducted under inadequate conditions in makeshift shelters.
In Chiure district, significant loss was also noted, with half of all structures losing their roofs or being entirely destroyed. Water supply issues in Megaruma have created an urgent necessity for water trucking to serve 3,000 families. Presently, health services operate at only 30% capacity in local hospitals, highlighting the critical state of healthcare delivery amid the cyclone’s aftermath.
Reports from the Metuge district underscore that access remains limited to off-road vehicles, with destruction affecting entire communities, including healthcare facilities. In Pemba, despite efforts to establish accommodation centers, many displaced individuals lack basic support or registration.
Currently, Pemba City is at risk of urban flooding, especially in neighborhoods identified as particularly vulnerable. The impacts of Tropical Cyclone Chido necessitate immediate humanitarian assistance to mitigate health risks and address the pressing needs of those affected.
The Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, significantly affecting the Cabo Delgado region. Intense weather conditions resulted in severe infrastructural destruction and human casualties across various provinces. The health sector has been greatly impacted, with many facilities rendered inoperable and emergency services facing overwhelming challenges. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, leading to widespread homelessness and urgent needs for medical care, clean water, and shelter for displaced individuals.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has left a trail of destruction across several provinces in Mozambique, particularly affecting Cabo Delgado. With thousands of homes destroyed, health facilities compromised, and communities facing critical water shortages, the need for humanitarian response is urgent. The situation requires immediate attention from health authorities and humanitarian organizations to provide essential support and prevent further deterioration in health and safety for affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
