Mozambique’s Humanitarian Crisis: Impact of Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi

Mozambique is severely impacted by Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, with significant damage reported across multiple provinces. Cyclone Chido affected approximately 453,971 individuals, while Cyclone Dikeledi impacted around 283,334. Assessment missions reveal extensive destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities, necessitating urgent humanitarian assistance to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Mozambique is currently facing the devastating aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on 15 December. The cyclone produced extreme rainfall exceeding 250 mm in a single day and wind speeds reaching 120 km/h, leading to extensive damage across the region. By late December 2024, the National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) reported that approximately 453,971 individuals were affected, with 120 fatalities and 868 injuries. The destruction included over 70,000 homes, 250 schools, 52 health centers, and 338 electricity poles, with further assessments anticipated to reveal more substantial damage.

In Cabo Delgado Province, particularly in the districts of Mecufi, Metuge, Chiure, and the provincial capital, Pemba, the cyclone has caused significant devastation, impacting around 272,000 people. A multi-agency assessment, supported by OCHA, revealed that Mecufi experienced almost total loss of housing. Areas like Nangolo also reported widespread destruction, placing the affected communities in urgent need of assistance as connectivity challenges hinder relief efforts.

Following Cyclone Chido, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall on 13 January, causing severe weather conditions across Nampula province. It brought excessive rainfall, with Mossuril reporting the highest amount at 247 mm, and winds reaching up to 150 km/h. As of 27 January, initial assessments indicated that Dikeledi affected approximately 283,334 individuals, including a significant number of children and people with disabilities.

The cyclone’s impact was particularly severe in districts including Mossuril, Ilha de Mozambique, and Monapo. Damage assessments estimate that approximately 80,865 houses were affected, with 48 damaged health facilities and over 200 schools requiring attention. The scale of destruction calls for urgent humanitarian assistance to facilitate recovery and rebuild the affected communities.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, exacerbated by the recent Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, has profoundly affected hundreds of thousands of people. Urgent response efforts are necessary to address the widespread damage to infrastructure and ensure the safety and recovery of the affected communities. Support from humanitarian agencies remains crucial to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters and assist the survivors in rebuilding their lives.

Original Source: reliefweb.int