Cyclone Chido Devastates Mozambique: Thousands Displaced and Urgent Aid Needed

Cyclone Chido has devastated northern Mozambique, displacing thousands and damaging infrastructure. UNHCR is providing immediate assistance to affected communities, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 190,000 people require urgent humanitarian aid. The cyclone exacerbates existing vulnerabilities due to conflict and economic hardship while raising concerns about future climate-induced disasters.

Tropical Cyclone Chido recently inflicted devastation across northern Mozambique, particularly in the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Torrential rains and fierce winds led to the destruction of numerous homes, displacing thousands of residents and severely damaging critical infrastructure such as roads and communication networks. These conditions have worsened the plight of communities already hosting significant numbers of forcibly displaced individuals. The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, is responding with immediate assistance, collaborating with governmental and humanitarian partners to alleviate the impacts on affected populations. Within 48 hours of the cyclone’s occurrence, UNHCR delivered emergency relief at a major accommodation center in Pemba, benefiting over 2,600 individuals with essentials such as blankets and shelter supplies.

Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 190,000 individuals are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, with 33 schools and nearly 10,000 homes rendered unusable. Many rural villages have experienced devastating losses, as prior years of conflict and economic hardship have already weakened these communities. Cyclone Chido has exacerbated the struggles of displaced families, who were just beginning to recover and rebuild their lives.

Cyclone Chido’s impact highlights the increasing vulnerability of communities in Mozambique, particularly those affected by systemic issues such as prolonged conflicts and economic distress. The cyclone struck after UNHCR had implemented disaster preparedness measures, including the distribution of emergency supplies and awareness campaigns aimed at vulnerable populations. Despite these efforts, the cyclone’s severity has underscored the pressing need for humanitarian assistance in a region prone to natural disasters, especially as the rainy season approaches, which historically brings additional cyclones and flooding. The situation also reflects broader implications for climate resilience in housing and the ongoing risks faced by displaced communities and refugees.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has caused extensive damage in Mozambique, highlighting the vulnerabilities of already stressed communities. UNHCR’s proactive measures provided some immediate relief, but the scale of destruction underscores the urgent need for continued humanitarian assistance. As the region braces for potentially more severe weather, the commitment to support affected populations must be strengthened to address the escalating climate crisis and its impacts on the most vulnerable.

Original Source: www.unhcr.org