Red Cross Mobilizes Response to Cyclone Chido’s Devastation in Mozambique

Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in Mozambique and surrounding regions with over 622,000 people affected. The Red Cross has launched an Emergency Appeal seeking 10 million Swiss francs for relief efforts and community preparedness initiatives. Key responses include providing shelter, food, and healthcare services to those impacted by the cyclone.

The tropical cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in Mozambique and surrounding regions following its landfall on December 15, 2024. The cyclone brought catastrophic winds and rains affecting Madagascar, Comoros, Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction of infrastructure, including homes, roads, and communication networks. Initial reports indicate substantial displacement, with thousands forced from their homes due to the devastation.

Naemi Heita, the Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Country Cluster Delegation for Mozambique and Angola, stated, “As assessments are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage, the emerging needs of affected people include shelter, food, potable water, and health services, among others. We are concerned that these numbers could rise as emergency teams get access to areas cut off by flooding and destruction.” Early assessments indicate that approximately 622,000 people in Mozambique have been affected, with over 130,000 shelters either damaged or destroyed. In Comoros, more than 64,000 individuals have suffered damage to their homes and agricultural lands, while the cyclone’s impact has reached 45,000 residents in Malawi and 70% of the population of Mayotte, resulting in over 35,000 destroyed homes.

In response to the crisis, Red Cross teams have been deployed across affected regions to assist in rescue operations and support impacted communities. The IFRC has initiated an Emergency Appeal to raise 10 million Swiss francs aimed at providing comprehensive assistance to 100,000 individuals across Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi. This initiative will offer integrated support, including cash distributions, shelter, livelihood assistance, healthcare services, and essential household item distribution at emergency shelters.

Moreover, the appeal underscores the necessity of enhancing community preparedness for the ongoing cyclone season, with a target of reaching 500,000 individuals in high-risk areas. This includes bolstering early warning systems, pre-positioning emergency supplies, and training volunteers in disaster response and preparedness.

The South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season poses significant risks to countries in its path, particularly Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi. This season commenced with the arrival of tropical cyclone Chido, which demonstrated the destructive potential of such storms, causing immediate concerns about the humanitarian impacts on local communities. The Red Cross and associated organizations are often pivotal in providing disaster relief and support, particularly in resource-constrained environments. The need for preparedness and rapid response is critical as projections indicate a potentially above-average cyclone season, placing these vulnerable populations at further risk.

In summary, the devastation caused by cyclone Chido has highlighted the urgent humanitarian needs across Mozambique and neighboring countries. The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal will facilitate immediate relief efforts while also strengthening community preparedness for potential future storms. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance resilience in affected areas, ensuring that communities can better withstand the impacts of natural disasters moving forward.

Original Source: reliefweb.int