Mozambique: Urgent Humanitarian Response Required Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique in December 2024, displacing nearly 454,000 people and resulting in significant fatalities and injuries. The destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities has left communities vulnerable, compounded by a cholera outbreak. Immediate humanitarian response is required to address food, shelter, and health needs, while also mitigating risks of gender-based violence and supporting recovery efforts in an already tumultuous context.

In December 2024, Mozambique faced catastrophic repercussions from Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on the 15th, delivering relentless rainfall surpassing 250 mm within 24 hours and wind gusts reaching 120 km/h. By the 16th, the cyclone had progressed into Malawi, eventually dissipating in Zimbabwe on the 17th. As of December 24, the National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) reported that approximately 453,971 individuals had been affected, with 120 confirmed fatalities and 868 injuries. Over 70,000 houses, alongside 250 schools and 52 health centers, suffered severe damage, raising concerns that these numbers may increase as further assessments are conducted.

The destruction has been particularly acute in Cabo Delgado Province, with an estimated 272,000 individuals impacted in districts like Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure. Reports indicate that nearly all homes in Mecufi were obliterated, leaving communities in shambles. In addition to extensive property damage, residents of Cabo Delgado, who predominantly relied on makeshift shelters, now face inadequate living conditions as their homes were stripped bare. Likewise, Nampula Province also reported approximately 175,169 individuals affected, with severe losses in housing and rising casualties.

The situation is compounded by a cholera outbreak in Nampula, with over 300 reported cases. The cyclone’s destruction has exacerbated vulnerabilities, disrupting essential services and impeding emergency responses. Moving forward, repairing roads and re-establishing communication networks are urgent priorities to execute effective humanitarian assistance.

Despite significant challenges, governmental preparedness, including preemptive evacuations, has mitigated loss of life. Collaboration among local authorities, NGOs, and UN teams is ongoing to provide aid, yet the resource crisis remains dire, leading to an urgent need for humanitarian assistance to avoid rampant disease spread and further suffering.

Critically, Cyclone Chido struck regions already burdened by conflict, complicating humanitarian efforts as displaced individuals faced new adversities. Immediate shelter, food, potable water, and medical supplies are urgently needed. Protection concerns are alarming, particularly risks of gender-based violence among affected populations, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach in response strategies.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in Mozambique, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals and destroying critical infrastructure. The cyclone’s impacts have been profound, particularly in the Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces, where communities were already struggling due to previous crises, including conflict and drought. Humanitarian efforts have been challenged by severe resource constraints, ongoing health emergencies such as cholera outbreaks, and the need to address the protection and psychological needs of affected populations.

The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has exposed deep vulnerabilities in Mozambique, with widespread destruction and urgent humanitarian needs stemming from both the recent disaster and pre-existing crises. Local and international efforts are underway to provide relief, but the scale of the disaster necessitates urgent additional funding and resources. It is crucial to prioritize shelter, food, medical supplies, and protections against gender-based violence to ensure the affected communities can recover and rebuild, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges they face.

Original Source: www.unocha.org