Red Cross Mobilizes Aid Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation in Mozambique

Cyclone Chido recently struck Mozambique and surrounding nations, causing extensive destruction and displacing thousands. The Red Cross mobilized to assist those impacted and launched an Emergency Appeal to raise funds for immediate relief and future preparedness initiatives aiming to support over 100,000 individuals across affected areas.

The tropical cyclone season in the South-West Indian Ocean commenced with cyclone Chido, which made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, causing extensive damage across the region. Cyclone Chido resulted in torrential rains and intense winds that affected Madagascar, Comoros, Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, leading to loss of life and significant destruction of homes, infrastructure, and communication networks. This storm has left thousands displaced as emergency assessments reveal a grim scenario.

According to Naemi Heita, the Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Country Cluster Delegation for Mozambique and Angola, preliminary assessments indicate that around 622,000 individuals in Mozambique have been impacted, with over 130,000 shelters rendered uninhabitable. In Comoros, the cyclone’s passage has adversely affected more than 64,000 people, severely damaging homes, schools, and farmland. Malawi has recorded over 45,000 affected individuals, while Mayotte experiences a staggering impact, with 70% of its population affected and approximately 35,000 homes destroyed.

In light of the devastation, Red Cross teams have been deployed to engage in rescue operations and offer support to affected communities. The IFRC has initiated an Emergency Appeal aimed at raising 10 million Swiss francs to assist 100,000 people in Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi. This comprehensive response will provide cash support, shelter, livelihood assistance, and health services. Key actions include the distribution of essential items in emergency shelters, water and sanitation services, and the implementation of protection strategies.

Beyond immediate relief, the appeal also focuses on bolstering community resilience against future storms, targeting 500,000 individuals in vulnerable areas. Planned activities involve improving early warning systems, pre-positioning emergency supplies, and training local volunteers to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

The Red Cross’s response to cyclone Chido highlights the organization’s commitment to disaster relief and preparedness during the tropical cyclone season in the South-West Indian Ocean. This season has already proven to be exceptionally severe, with cyclone Chido demonstrating the destructive capacity of such storms. The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal seeks not only to address immediate needs but also to strengthen community resilience against upcoming cyclones, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in disaster-stricken regions.

In summary, cyclone Chido has inflicted significant damage across several countries in the South-West Indian Ocean, prompting Red Cross action to provide immediate relief and bolster future preparedness. The IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal to support affected communities, highlighting the urgent needs for shelter, food, and healthcare as well as the necessity for enhanced disaster readiness in the region’s vulnerable populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int