Humanitarian Response to Cyclone Chido in Northern Mozambique: IOM Flash Appeal

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024, affecting 380,000 individuals and destroying over 88,670 homes. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) seeks to raise USD 12,159,000 to assist impacted communities with urgent needs, including shelter, food, and WASH supplies. Current efforts are in coordination with humanitarian partners amidst ongoing vulnerabilities from previous conflict-related issues.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in northern Mozambique, severely impacting the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The cyclone wreaked havoc with torrential rain totaling 250 mm within 24 hours and wind gusts reaching 260 km/h. The National Institute for Natural Disaster (INGD) estimates that approximately 380,000 individuals, equivalent to 76,100 households, were affected. Furthermore, over 88,670 homes were either fully or partially destroyed, exacerbating the urgent need for shelter, non-food items (NFIs), as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) supplies. Food security remains a critical issue due to ongoing conflicts and previous vulnerabilities in the region.

The onset of the rainy season in northern Mozambique raises concerns regarding additional flooding and complicates recovery efforts. Given the compounded effects of existing conflicts in Cabo Delgado, which have led to significant displacement since 2017, and the serious acute food insecurity in certain areas, immediate assistance is essential for the impacted communities. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is coordinating closely with INGD, OCHA, and other agencies to provide a timely response to the affected populations.

IOM has initiated a flash appeal to mobilize USD 12,159,000 over the next six months to support 240,000 individuals suffering from the cyclone’s aftermath. This initiative is fully synchronized with relevant humanitarian clusters and is part of the recently published interagency Flash Appeal for Tropical Cyclone Chido. IOM is currently involved in an ongoing Multi-cluster/Sector Initial Rapid Assessment to ascertain the needs of the affected areas and communities.

The context of the humanitarian situation in Mozambique is dire, particularly following Tropical Cyclone Chido’s impact in December 2024. The cyclone struck at a time when the region was already grappling with multifaceted challenges, including conflict-driven displacement and acute food insecurity. The provinces affected are not only dealing with the immediate aftermath of the cyclone but are also vulnerable due to longstanding issues from ongoing conflicts since 2017. Consequently, the urgent response required by the IOM and collaboration with other agencies aims to address urgent humanitarian needs and enhance stability and recovery in the region.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted northern Mozambique, affecting approximately 380,000 individuals and causing widespread destruction. The need for urgent assistance in the form of shelter, food, and water is critical, especially in light of the existing vulnerabilities due to conflict and food insecurity. IOM’s coordinated response and flash appeal seek to mobilize necessary resources to support the affected populations and facilitate their recovery in this challenging environment.

Original Source: reliefweb.int