Cyclone Chido Causes Widespread Devastation in Mozambique – December 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on 15 December 2024, causing catastrophic damage, particularly in Cabo Delgado. With winds up to 120 km/h and heavy rainfall, 174,000 people were affected, and severe losses were recorded in housing and agriculture. The cyclone aggravated existing vulnerabilities such as displacement and health crises, necessitating urgent humanitarian response and support for recovery.

On 15 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mecufi, Cabo Delgado Province, unleashing destructive winds of up to 120 km/h and torrential rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a single day. The cyclone inflicted widespread damage across northern Mozambique, significantly affecting the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, while Tete and northern Zambézia witnessed secondary impacts. By 17 December, the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) reported that 174,000 individuals had been affected, with the tragic loss of 34 lives and 319 injuries recorded.

The devastation included the destruction or damage of over 35,000 homes and critical infrastructure such as schools and health facilities. The disaster significantly compounded existing vulnerabilities in Cabo Delgado, where communities are already struggling with conflict-related displacements and an ongoing cholera outbreak. In Mecufi and Chiure districts, the impact was catastrophic, with every home affected and health services brought to a standstill. Additionally, agricultural losses were severe, with thousands of hectares of crops, including maize and beans, destroyed, jeopardizing food security for many families.

In the districts of Memba and Erati within Nampula province, more than 3,600 families reported substantial damage to their fishing assets and livelihoods. The destruction of vital water and sanitation infrastructure has heightened the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera, complicating the humanitarian response. Furthermore, disrupted communication and power systems have hindered recovery efforts, necessitating urgent support. With over 80 percent of the Mozambican population dependent on agriculture for sustenance and income, immediate actions are required to assist affected households in rebuilding and restoring access to essential resources.

Tropical Cyclones pose a recurring threat to Mozambique, a nation frequently impacted by extreme weather due to its geographical location. Cyclone Chido, which struck Cabo Delgado Province in December 2024, exacerbated underlining issues such as conflict-related displacement and health crises like cholera. The severe winds and torrential rains inflicted significant damage to both residential and agricultural infrastructure, highlighting the vulnerability of communities reliant on agrarian livelihoods. Mozambique’s ongoing challenges with natural disasters necessitate comprehensive disaster management strategies and humanitarian assistance to mitigate future impacts.

The landfall of Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in unprecedented devastation across northern Mozambique, affecting thousands of lives and obliterating essential infrastructure. The complexity of recovery is amplified by pre-existing vulnerabilities, including displacement and health concerns. Swift intervention is crucial to restore livelihoods, ensure access to food, and fortify communities against potential future disasters. It is imperative that humanitarian efforts focus on rebuilding and providing holistic support to the affected populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int