Mozambique: Devastating Effects of Tropical Cyclone Chido – Flash Update No. 2

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, delivering torrential rains and destructive winds. With over 174,000 people affected and massive infrastructure damage across multiple provinces, the humanitarian situation requires urgent attention. Relief efforts are challenged by a lack of supplies, with a $4 million emergency aid allocation announced. Vulnerability in affected communities, particularly for women and children, necessitates coordinated efforts to address immediate and long-term needs.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, unleashing devastating winds of up to 120 km/h and heavy rainfall reaching 250 mm in just 24 hours. The cyclone subsequently moved through Malawi and is projected to dissipate in Zimbabwe by December 17. The most heavily impacted regions include Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, where at least 174,000 individuals have been affected, leading to significant infrastructure damage, with reports indicating that over 35,000 residences were partially or completely destroyed. Initiatives to distribute relief are constrained by limited supplies, prompting the Emergency Relief Coordinator to allocate $4 million for humanitarian assistance.

On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique, causing severe havoc with heavy rains and high winds across multiple provinces. Following its landfall, the system advanced to Malawi and is set to weaken near Zimbabwe. The National Institute of Meteorology anticipates continued rainfall in affected areas, further complicating recovery efforts. Initial assessments indicate that 174,158 people have been impacted, with fatalities and injuries reported. Recovery efforts are hampered by infrastructure destruction and supply shortages.

In Cabo Delgado Province, areas such as Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba experienced catastrophic damage, with over 100% of homes destroyed in certain zones and significant impacts on health services. The joint assessment teams emphasize urgent needs for emergency shelters, medical supplies, and basic necessities for the affected populations, especially vulnerable groups like women and children. Lack of connectivity and severe protection concerns in the wake of the cyclone poses additional challenges to relief efforts.

In Nampula Province, over 46,000 individuals were impacted, with extensive damage reported to housing and infrastructure, complicating logistics for critical healthcare and food distribution. Concerns about cholera outbreaks amidst heavy rains add urgency to the humanitarian response. Niassa Province has also noted casualties and property damage, although the extent of destruction is lesser compared to other regions. Addressing these needs through efficient aid distribution remains a priority for humanitarian organizations working on-ground.

Overall, Cyclone Chido resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, necessitating an immediate coordinated response to alleviate the suffering of affected communities. Noteworthy support mechanisms, such as safe spaces for women and children, are critical to ensure the protection and well-being of vulnerable populations particularly in the aftermath of such disasters.

The context surrounding Tropical Cyclone Chido’s impact on Mozambique illustrates the frequent natural disasters that afflict the region, often resulting in severe human and infrastructure challenges. Tropical cyclones pose a recurrent threat, leading to devastating outcomes that necessitate proactive disaster management and humanitarian response strategies. With a history of vulnerability to climatic changes, Mozambique’s emergency management systems strive to mitigate the effects of such weather events to safeguard lives and property. The cyclone’s immediate aftermath reflects not only physical damage but also underscores the social and economic strains on local communities already grappling with poverty and health challenges, eliciting urgent responses from national and international humanitarian organizations.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated humanitarian response in Mozambique, where extensive damage has left hundreds of thousands in need. The impact of the cyclone has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, particularly for women and children. An infusion of resources and strategic planning is critical to facilitate recovery efforts, restore essential services, and prevent further deterioration of the situation. Continued assessments will be vital to adapt response mechanisms in real-time and address the pressing needs of the affected communities effectively.

Original Source: reliefweb.int