Red Cross Responds to Cyclone Chido’s Devastation and Strengthens Future Preparedness

Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique causing widespread devastation and affecting over 622,000 individuals. The IFRC has launched a 10 million Swiss francs Emergency Appeal to assist over 100,000 people affected by the cyclone while enhancing preparedness for future storms. Immediate relief and long-term readiness efforts are underway as the region braces for an active cyclone season.

The tropical cyclone season in the South-West Indian Ocean commenced with Cyclone Chido, which struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, inflicting extensive damage across several nations including Madagascar, Comoros, Malawi, and Mayotte. Heavy rains and powerful winds led to significant loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and mass displacements, with estimates indicating 622,000 individuals affected in Mozambique alone. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has initiated an Emergency Appeal aiming to raise 10 million Swiss francs to deliver holistic assistance to over 100,000 individuals, while also preparing communities for future cyclones through enhanced readiness measures. Initial assessments reveal alarming humanitarian needs, necessitating urgent support in shelter, food, potable water, and health services as emergency teams access severely impacted regions.

Cyclone Chido has underscored the vulnerabilities of coastal regions in the South-West Indian Ocean to extreme weather events, particularly during the cyclone season which tends to bring heightened storms and flooding. Previous seasons have been devastating, highlighting the critical need for prepared response mechanisms and support for affected populations. The IFRC’s proactive measures, including emergency appeals and community training, aim to bridge the gap during such disasters, ensuring timely response in the face of escalating climate-related challenges. As climate change exacerbates weather patterns, the importance of community resilience and rapid response capabilities is becoming increasingly recognized.

In conclusion, the devastation inflicted by Cyclone Chido emphasizes the urgent need for humanitarian response and preparedness in the face of increasing cyclone threats. The ongoing support efforts by the Red Cross aim not only to provide immediate relief to those affected but also to bolster community resilience against future storms. Continued assessments and emergency responses remain critical in addressing the evolving humanitarian challenges in the region.

Original Source: reliefweb.int