Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Mozambique’s Humanitarian Crisis

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on December 15, affecting over 380,000 people and causing significant destruction, including 61,500 homes and numerous health facilities and schools. WFP promptly responded with emergency food assistance to families in affected areas. Recovery efforts are ongoing amidst challenges in access and infrastructure damage.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2024, in Mecufi, Cabo Delgado, causing widespread devastation across northern Mozambique. The cyclone impacted over 380,000 individuals throughout the Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, resulting in the destruction of 61,500 homes, damage to 52 health facilities, and adverse effects on 250 schools and 1,126 classrooms. Reports from the Ministry of Health indicate that there have been 76 fatalities and 768 injuries, with numbers expected to rise as further assessments take place.

In the immediate aftermath of the cyclone, the World Food Programme (WFP) swiftly responded, providing emergency food aid to 500 families in Pemba within 24 hours of the disaster. Humanitarian distributions in Mecufi commenced on December 17 through the Joint Response Programme (JRP), a collaborative effort involving the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF. By December 20, approximately 23,000 individuals received assistance in Pemba, Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure. Moreover, in Mogincual, Nampula, WFP supported the distribution of food to 70 individuals in temporary centers activated under the anticipatory measures of the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD).

Following the cyclone’s landfall, winds reached speeds of 180 km/h, with gusts recorded at 220 km/h, leading to over 200 mm of rainfall in some areas within just 24 hours. The regions most severely affected include Mecufi, Pemba, and several surrounding districts in Cabo Delgado and Nampula. However, access to these regions remains challenging due to blocked roads, particularly in Mecufi.

Despite some setbacks, including the temporary suspension of UN Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) flights on December 16 and 17, operations resumed on December 18. The WFP office in Pemba sustained moderate damage but continues to operate. Recovery efforts are ongoing, although the full restoration of electricity and telecommunication services in Pemba may take several days, exacerbated by the collapse of trees and utility poles throughout the town.

The article discusses the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, a severe weather event that struck northern Mozambique, particularly affecting the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The cyclone’s landfall resulted in significant casualties and damage, prompting immediate humanitarian responses from various organizations, including the World Food Programme. The report details the extent of destruction, the efforts made in providing aid, and the ongoing issues faced in recovery and accessibility.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in a critical humanitarian crisis in northern Mozambique, affecting hundreds of thousands of people and causing extensive property damage. The response by the WFP and other organizations highlights the urgency of humanitarian efforts in such catastrophic situations. Continued assessments and support are crucial as the community begins to recover from the unprecedented impacts of the cyclone.

Original Source: reliefweb.int