Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi Devastate Mozambique: A Humanitarian Crisis

Mozambique has been severely impacted by Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. Chido hit on December 15, 2024, affecting 453,971 people, causing 120 fatalities and extensive infrastructure damage. Dikeledi struck on January 13, 2025, affecting 283,334 individuals, including many children and women. The response efforts are hindered by connectivity issues, necessitating a Flash Appeal to provide aid.

Mozambique is currently grappling with the severe aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck the region on December 15, 2024. The cyclone unleashed unprecedented rainfall exceeding 250 mm within just 24 hours and wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h. The cyclone moved to Malawi on December 16 and dissipated in Zimbabwe a day later.

As of December 24, 2024, the National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) reported that approximately 453,971 individuals were affected, with 120 confirmed fatalities and 868 injuries. The cyclone caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of over 70,000 homes, 250 schools, and 52 health centers, alongside damage to 338 electricity poles. These numbers are anticipated to increase as assessments progress.

The impact of the cyclone has triggered a Flash Appeal, as the affected population surpassed the threshold of 350,000. Conditions following the cyclone have compromised connectivity and hindered both situational awareness and effective response strategies. In the Cabo Delgado Province, the areas of Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure, particularly the provincial capital Pemba, have seen substantial devastation.

The situation remained dire as a joint multi-agency assessment mission (MIRA) conducted on December 18 provided harrowing insights into the state of destruction. In places like Mecufi, nearly every home was reported as destroyed, while areas such as Nangolo also faced overwhelming damage.

Following shortly, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Nampula province on January 13, delivering damaging weather conditions with heavy rainfall and wind speeds of up to 180 km/h. Mossuril experienced recorded rainfall of 247 mm on January 14, setting the stage for further destruction.

Initial assessments from IOM DTM and INGD indicated that 283,334 people were impacted by Cyclone Dikeledi by January 27. This includes 142,598 children, 74,778 women, 65,958 men, and 45,333 individuals with disabilities. The infrastructure suffered significant setbacks with an estimated 80,865 houses damaged, alongside 48 health facilities and 221 schools.

In conclusion, Mozambique is facing a crisis following the devastation wrought by Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. Extensive damage to homes and infrastructure has left hundreds of thousands in need. Continuous assessments are critical to providing aid and ensuring recovery efforts are timely and effective in restoring normalcy to the affected communities.

Original Source: reliefweb.int