Situation Report on the Humanitarian Response to Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique (December 2024)

The Tropical Cyclone Chido devastated Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing infrastructure damage, loss of life, and displacement. This report reviews actions by CCCM Cluster partners amid growing humanitarian needs. Only four accommodation centers have been formally activated while many families remain in temporary shelters, highlighting the urgent need for improved living conditions and coordinated responses.

The Tropical Cyclone Chido intensely impacted Mozambique upon its landfall in Mecúfi district on December 15, 2024. Affected areas include southern regions of Cabo Delgado and Niassa, along with portions of northern Nampula. The disaster has resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure, loss of life, injuries, and displacement of communities, thereby escalating humanitarian needs both in urban and rural contexts, particularly in pre-established displacement sites.

This report encapsulates the pivotal actions conducted by CCCM Cluster partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), ASMOG, and Pronanac, in collaboration with local authorities and other humanitarian organizations during the period from December 14 to 30, 2024. In the aftermath of the cyclone, only four accommodation centers have been officially established: three in Pemba district and one in Chiúre district, as confirmed by the INGD delegation in Cabo Delgado province. However, several school facilities were identified by site management teams as temporary shelters that support affected populations during the night and offer services during the day, although these facilities have not been formally recognized as accommodation centers. Collaborative efforts between partners necessitate a formal designation of these sites to enhance assistance effectiveness and efficiency.

Surprisingly, numerous families continue to endure hardships by spending nights in neighbors’ yards, community facilities, and even schools while they rebuild their homes or adapt makeshift shelters. Beyond basic needs such as food, water, and hygiene, there is an urgent requirement to improve living conditions, including the provision of adequate lighting, which is crucial for ensuring safety, especially at night. Furthermore, stronger coordination mechanisms must be established, along with the execution of basic services like handwashing stations and communal toilets at reception sites to mitigate long waiting times. These actions are exceedingly vital for individuals with specific needs.

Moreover, some neighborhoods that previously had structured planning have lost their organization and require replanning, as well as improved road access and reconstruction of community facilities. These include essential communication centers and safe spaces, which can be revitalized through cash-for-work initiatives. While both UNHCR and Pronanac have concluded their management roles for three accommodation centers in Pemba, IOM remains active in aiding through mobile teams, working in close partnership with local authorities to support facilities housing affected families.

The report provides an overview of the humanitarian response to the devastating effects of the Tropical Cyclone Chido that struck Mozambique in December 2024. The cyclone led to significant infrastructure damage, loss of lives, and an increased humanitarian need particularly in the affected districts. The CCCM Cluster partners, which include IOM, UNHCR, ASMOG, and Pronanac, collaborated with local authorities to address the multiple challenges arising from this natural disaster, including the establishment of accommodation centers and improving living conditions for displaced persons. The context of displacement highlights the necessity for multiple agencies to coordinate effectively to provide necessary aid and identify safe and adequate shelter for the affected populations. Furthermore, the rebuilding of communities and restoration of normalcy is imperative, necessitating not only immediate relief efforts but also long-term planning.

In conclusion, the response to Tropical Cyclone Chido exemplifies the collaborative efforts of multiple humanitarian actors in addressing the escalated needs of affected populations in Mozambique. While initial accommodation centers have been established, there remains a critical need for improved living conditions, formal recognition of temporary shelters, and better coordination of services for displaced families. The ongoing work by IOM and other partners signifies a commitment to supporting affected individuals and rebuilding communities in the long term.

Original Source: reliefweb.int