Tropical Cyclone Chido devastated Mozambique, affecting over 453,000 individuals, resulting in 120 fatalities, and causing extensive destruction to infrastructure. The cyclone, which struck on December 15, 2024, has intensified existing humanitarian crises in impoverished regions. Urgent assistance is needed for shelter, food, and health services to mitigate further risks associated with cholera and other outbreaks. Comprehensive response efforts are critical as affected communities face complex challenges ahead.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage across Mozambique following its landfall on December 15, 2024, resulting in catastrophe for numerous communities. With rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours and winds reaching 120 km/h, the cyclone has left approximately 453,971 individuals affected, causing significant casualties including 120 fatalities and 868 injuries. Structural destruction encompasses over 70,000 residences, along with schools and health facilities, compelling urgent humanitarian interventions.
The province of Cabo Delgado faced the brunt of the devastation, where districts such as Mecufi and Metuge reported near-total destruction of housing. An accompanying cholera outbreak in Nampula Province, exacerbated by the cyclone’s impact, has already reported 302 cases and 29 deaths. As connectivity challenges persist, assessments of the full extent of destruction remain ongoing, indicating a rising number of humanitarian needs.
Emergency measures are being taken by authorities and humanitarian organizations to address immediate necessities, including safe shelter, food, clean water, and healthcare, to prevent disease outbreak and facilitate recovery. The situation is critical; organizations are striving to replenish humanitarian supplies to aid those most affected. Furthermore, the cyclone’s impact is compounded by pre-existing crises in Mozambique, necessitating robust and immediate support to avert further humanitarian disasters.
Insights from a multi-agency assessment revealed that considerable vulnerabilities exist, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs) from conflict zones, necessitating a focus on protection and mental health support. Overall, funding appeals are essential to sustain the humanitarian response amidst limited resources and intersecting crises, making the provision of aid urgent and necessary.
The landfall of Tropical Cyclone Chido marked a catastrophic event for Mozambique, with widespread implications for thousands of individuals who were already facing multiple adversities. This cyclone has exacerbated the existing humanitarian challenges, including violence-driven displacements, agricultural disruptions due to drought, and health emergencies such as cholera outbreaks. Given this context, the need for a coordinated and comprehensive humanitarian response is vital for recovery and stability in the affected communities, highlighting significant gaps in resources and response capacity. The cyclone’s impact has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced particularly by those in Cabo Delgado Province, where intense conflict has already displaced many. As recovery efforts are underway, addressing immediate health, shelter, and food needs alongside protection from further violence and public health crises remains paramount.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has left a devastating mark on Mozambique, necessitating an urgent humanitarian response. With extensive structural damage and an urgent need for aid, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing efforts to provide essential services. The compounded challenges of pre-existing conflicts, health crises, and resource limitations highlight the need for immediate funding and coordinated efforts to effectively address the severe humanitarian needs of the affected populations. Failure to act decisively may result in further humanitarian degradation.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
