Tropical Cyclone Chido: Assessment and Response in Northern Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Northern Mozambique on 15 December 2024, causing severe disruption in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. Infrastructure damage included over 23,598 homes lost, with impacts on schools and health facilities. Health services are severely limited, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the affected regions. Urgent assistance is necessary to support the displaced populations and restore essential services.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the Mecufi district of Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, on 15 December 2024, causing severe destruction. The cyclone unleashed heavy rainfall (up to 250mm in 24 hours) and wind gusts reaching 180 km/h. By 16 December, it had moved to Malawi, with expectations to dissipate in Zimbabwe by 17 December. Provinces that experienced the most significant impact include Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, while Tete and Northern Manica were less affected.

In Cabo Delgado, particularly in Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba, extensive devastation was reported. Approximately 23,598 homes were destroyed, alongside 149 affected schools and 37 health facilities. The local infrastructure suffered drastically, impairing vital services such as electricity, water supply, and internet connectivity. The Pemba airport faced temporary closure but has since resumed operations.

The Mecufi district reported nearly complete infrastructural collapse, leaving 400 families homeless with 50 injuries and 16 fatalities confirmed so far. Current medical operations are hampered as healthcare professionals are working under difficult conditions. Medical supplies were largely lost due to exposure, impeding treatment capabilities. Water supply crises in Chiure necessitate urgent intervention for 3,000 families, and healthcare services remain critically under-resourced.

Metuge district faces significant accessibility issues, requiring 4×4 vehicles for access. Areas surveyed reported 50% shelter destruction in certain locations and total collapse in others. Meanwhile, in Pemba district, three accommodation centers were identified, yet conditions remain dire for displaced populations, particularly vulnerable neighborhoods already housing internally displaced persons (IDPs). The risk for urban flooding remains high in areas including Bairro Cariaco and Alto Chuiba.

Efforts to address these challenges are imperative, emphasizing the need for immediate international assistance and local support initiatives.

Tropical Cyclone Chido, one of the more intense cyclones in recent history, impacted Northern Mozambique severely upon its landfall on 15 December 2024. The storm affected multiple provinces with Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa experiencing the brunt of its destructive forces. This situation report highlights the immediate aftermath of the cyclone, observing the conditions in the most impacted areas and the continuing health and humanitarian crises resulting from the disaster. The extensive damage to infrastructure raises grave concerns about the local populations’ access to essential services and health care, warranting urgent attention and intervention.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has wrought significant devastation across Northern Mozambique, with Cabo Delgado bearing the greatest brunt. The destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities poses an ongoing threat to the affected populations. The humanitarian response must focus on restoring medical services, ensuring water and electricity supply, and providing shelter for displaced households. Urgent international support and resource allocation are crucial to mitigate the cyclone’s impact and aid recovery efforts.

Original Source: reliefweb.int