Tropical Cyclone Chido: Humanitarian Impact and Response in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, impacting over 380,000 people and damaging thousands of homes, health facilities, and schools. WFP responded promptly by assisting 500 families with food aid and continues to operate in affected areas. Access challenges persist amid ongoing assessments of damage and needs.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the district of Mecufi in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, causing significant destruction and affecting over 380,000 individuals across the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The cyclone’s impact included the destruction of 61,500 homes, damage to 52 health facilities, and the disruption of 250 schools along with 1,126 classrooms. In the aftermath, the Ministry of Health reported 76 fatalities and 768 injuries, numbers that may continue to rise as further assessments are conducted.

In response to the crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) provided immediate food assistance to 500 families in Pemba within 24 hours post-cyclone. Additionally, humanitarian food distributions in Mecufi began on December 17, with the Joint Response Programme (JRP) in collaboration with IOM and UNICEF. The JRP concluded on December 20, while WFP has pledged to continue assistance based on the evolving needs of affected populations. As of December 20, approximately 23,000 individuals across Pemba, Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure have received aid.

Access to the most impacted areas remains a challenge, particularly in Mecufi district, where blocked roads hinder operations and assessments of the damage. The cyclone brought wind speeds reaching 180 km/h and rainfall exceeding 200 mm within a 24-hour period, exacerbating the situation in several districts. The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) temporarily suspended flights due to safety concerns but resumed operations on December 18. Furthermore, despite moderate damage to the WFP office in Pemba, operations continue as major roads facilitate travel, although full restoration of utilities may take additional time.

Tropical Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 cyclone, made landfall in Mozambique and has led to a humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of people. The aftermath of the cyclone has necessitated emergency response from various humanitarian organizations, including the World Food Programme, which has coordinated food assistance with other UN agencies. This event highlights the vulnerabilities of regions prone to climate-related disasters and the ongoing need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage upon several provinces in Mozambique, necessitating immediate humanitarian assistance. The coordinated response by WFP and its partners has thus far reached thousands, although significant challenges remain regarding access and continued assessment of affected regions. The situation underscores the importance of ongoing support and preparedness for future climatic events in the area.

Original Source: reliefweb.int