Mozambique: Cyclone Chido’s Devastating Impact and Humanitarian Response

Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Mozambique, affecting approximately 329,510 individuals across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The cyclone has destroyed numerous homes and health facilities, increasing vulnerabilities during the rainy season. Humanitarian efforts are in progress, yet face challenges due to limited resources. Ongoing support is essential to address the immediate needs of the affected populations effectively.

As of December 20, 2024, the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Mozambique is escalating, with ongoing assessments revealing an increase in the number of affected individuals. Currently, an estimated 65,282 families, equivalent to approximately 329,510 people, are afflicted across the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. A significant portion of those impacted, around 217,000, reside in Cabo Delgado, where existing vulnerabilities are compounded by ongoing conflicts.

The cyclone has caused extensive damage, destroying 39,133 homes and damaging an additional 13,343 houses, resulting in many families lacking shelter and essential resources. This destruction is further accentuated by the upcoming rainy season, heightening the communities’ vulnerabilities. Moreover, 49 health facilities have suffered damages, disrupting healthcare services, while damaged water systems have curtailed access to clean water, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks among the affected population.

The humanitarian response is underway, focusing on critical needs such as shelter, food, water and sanitation, health, and protection services. However, response efforts encounter significant challenges, including overstretched capacities and diminishing stockpiles, complicating the prompt scaling up of assistance to the affected regions. The United Nations and relevant development partners are actively mobilizing resources to alleviate the plight of those impacted by Cyclone Chido.

The situation in Mozambique worsened following Cyclone Chido, which brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall to the northern provinces. Humanitarian assessments indicate that the cyclone has severely affected countless individuals, particularly in conflict-impacted areas such as Cabo Delgado. The disarray stemming from the cyclone complicates the already challenging humanitarian landscape, as numerous households are left devastated and additional strain is placed on health and water services, critical during the rainy season. Moreover, the loss of agricultural seeds signifies a growing dependency on external aid, necessitating immediate interventions to restore agricultural capacity.

In summary, the humanitarian crisis resulting from Tropical Cyclone Chido is profound, with thousands of families affected and critical infrastructure damaged. The response efforts are hindered by resource constraints and an increasingly vulnerable population, particularly in Cabo Delgado. To effectively address the needs of the affected communities, it is crucial for humanitarian partners to enhance their efforts and ensure the timely provision of necessary resources and services. Immediate attention is required to restore shelters, healthcare, and agricultural support to mitigate the long-term impacts of this disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int