Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi have devastated Mozambique, affecting 737,305 people. UNHCR interventions have reached 30,000 individuals, but US$ 7,991,000 is needed for additional support. The storms have severely impacted Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, complicating the plight of populations already facing displacement due to conflict.
As of January 30, 2025, Mozambique faces significant challenges from Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which have collectively affected 737,305 individuals. Emergency interventions by the UNHCR have reached 30,000 people, yet an additional US$ 7,991,000 is required to assist 362,000 more. The northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula are the hardest hit by these disasters, necessitating intense response measures to meet the ongoing needs of affected populations.
Cyclone Chido, a formidable Category 4 storm, struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, near Pemba, unleashing powerful winds up to 80 kilometers per hour, alongside heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a single day. This cyclone coincided with the onset of the rainy season, which typically lasts from November to March and is historically associated with heightened cyclone activity and flooding. Just weeks later, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted Nampula on January 13, affecting over 283,000 individuals in the region.
According to government reports, Cyclone Chido has directly impacted over 453,000 people, with Cabo Delgado and Nampula experiencing the most devastation. The wake of this crisis is deeply felt among internally displaced persons (IDPs) already grappling with the repercussions of armed conflict. The combination of climate-induced disasters and ongoing conflict continues to exacerbate the vulnerabilities of these communities, highlighting the essential need for humanitarian support.
The cyclones that struck Mozambique exemplify the challenges faced by the nation during its rainy season, a period historically fraught with the risk of natural disasters. The cumulative effects of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi not only cover immediate physical damage but also threaten to undermine the resilience of communities already suffering from the impact of displacement and conflict. Understanding the scale and severity of these storms is crucial for adequately addressing the humanitarian needs that arise in their aftermath.
The recent cyclones in Mozambique underline the urgent need for humanitarian assistance given the extensive impact on vulnerable populations. With continued climatic threats on the horizon, it is critical for national and international actors to mobilize resources and ensure that affected individuals receive the necessary support for recovery and resilience. Addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of communities is essential for mitigating the effects of such disasters in the future.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
