Mozambique Faces Humanitarian Crisis Following Multiple Tropical Cyclones

Mozambique is grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude, leading to widespread devastation, loss of life, and damage to infrastructure. Over 1 million hectares have been flooded, significantly impacting many vulnerable populations. Urgent humanitarian assistance is being mobilized to address the critical needs of affected individuals across several provinces.

The humanitarian situation in Mozambique has become critical following the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck on December 15, 2024. The cyclone resulted in more than 453,971 people affected, with 120 reported fatalities and significant infrastructure damage, including over 70,000 destroyed homes and extensive damage to schools and health centers. The National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) has indicated that these numbers may continue to rise as assessments proceed.

Cabo Delgado Province is among the hardest hit areas, with an estimated 272,000 affected individuals in districts such as Mecufi, Metuge, and the provincial capital, Pemba. A multi-agency assessment mission observed severe destruction, particularly in Mecufi, where nearly all homes were rendered uninhabitable.

Following the devastation of Cyclone Chido, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted the region on January 13, 2025, affecting approximately 283,334 individuals as of January 27. This cyclone brought extreme weather conditions, including wind gusts up to 180 km/h and considerable rainfall, leading to extensive damage to houses, health facilities, and schools.

The impacts from Dikeledi were most visible in the districts of Mossuril, Ilha de Mozambique, and Monapo, among others. The affected population included significant numbers of children, women, and individuals with disabilities, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.

By March 10, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall, bringing sustained winds of 120 km/h and resulting in damaging rainfall across multiple provinces. The cyclone’s impact worsened an already critical cholera outbreak in the region, prompting an urgent humanitarian response mobilized through the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework.

As of March 19, 2025, ING reports indicated that around 390,000 individuals were affected by Cyclone Jude, with significant public infrastructure damaged including dozens of health units and schools. Additionally, flooding impacts have been severe, with reports estimating over 1 million hectares of flooded land and sections of vulnerable populations residing in these areas.

Humanitarian efforts continue to focus on the critical response needed to aid affected populations and restore essential services across the most impacted regions, where ongoing challenges persist due to infrastructure damage and public health concerns.

In summary, Mozambique has faced immense challenges due to successive tropical cyclones, notably Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude. The cumulative toll continues to rise with significant loss of life, injuries, and extensive infrastructure damage. Key provinces, particularly Cabo Delgado and Nampula, have been severely affected, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian responses and recovery efforts to support the devastated communities and restore essential services to prevent further crises.

Original Source: www.unocha.org