Mozambique Faces Humanitarian Crisis Following Tropical Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted Mozambique, affecting over 329,000 people across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. Shelter and food shortages, healthcare disruptions, and compromised access to clean water present urgent humanitarian needs. Response efforts are hampered by stretched capacities and dwindling resources, necessitating immediate action to support affected individuals.

The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido continues to unveil a growing humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, with the number of affected individuals increasing across the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. As assessment teams reach more areas, current estimates indicate that approximately 329,510 people, equivalent to about 65,282 families, are grappling with the cyclone’s devastating effects. With shelter, food, water, health services, and protection being the priority needs, emergency response teams face challenges due to overwhelmed capacities and a reduction in available aid supplies.

The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reports that Cabo Delgado Province has been most significantly impacted, with around 217,000 individuals affected. The cyclone has led to the destruction of 39,133 homes and damage to 13,343 others, leaving many families vulnerable, particularly in the context of ongoing regional conflicts. Furthermore, the rainy season intensifies these risks, heightening the threats to safety and well-being for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and community members.

In addition to the housing crisis, the cyclone has severely disrupted health services, damaging 49 health facilities, and compromised access to clean water due to destruction of water systems. The widespread loss of agricultural seeds necessitates urgent replenishment to avert increased dependence on external food aid. Humanitarian partners are actively mobilizing resources to address these pressing needs but encounter significant obstacles in scaling up aid due to strained resources and diminishing stockpiles.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in a devastating impact on Mozambique, particularly affecting regions already fraught with challenges. The cyclone brought high winds and torrential rains, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, especially among IDPs in Cabo Delgado Province. The situation demands urgent humanitarian assistance to address the compounded issues of shelter, food insecurity, healthcare disruption, and lack of clean water, all intensified by the cyclone’s destruction. The rainy season further complicates recovery efforts, underscoring the critical need for effective emergency response.

In summary, the humanitarian situation in Mozambique following Tropical Cyclone Chido is dire, with a significant increase in the number of affected individuals requiring urgent assistance. The damage inflicted on homes, healthcare facilities, and agricultural resources highlights the challenges faced in recovery efforts. Mobilizing adequate humanitarian resources and support remains crucial to addressing the immediate and ongoing needs of these vulnerable populations as they navigate through this crisis.

Original Source: reliefweb.int