Impact of Tropical Cyclones on Mozambique: Urgent Humanitarian Appeal

Mozambique is facing significant devastation due to Tropical Cyclone Chido and Cyclone Dikeledi. Cyclone Chido affected nearly 454,000 people, causing 120 deaths and damaging extensive infrastructure. Subsequently, Cyclone Dikeledi affected over 283,000 individuals, with major destruction to housing and facilities. Urgent humanitarian assistance is necessary to support the impacted communities as assessments continue.

Mozambique is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck on December 15, 2024. The cyclone generated torrential rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a 24-hour period and winds reaching 120 km/h. By December 16, it had progressed into Malawi before dissipating in Zimbabwe soon thereafter. The aftermath has left countless communities devastated, with ongoing assessments indicating the situation is dire.

As reported by the National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD), approximately 453,971 individuals have been affected, resulting in 120 fatalities and 868 injuries. Additionally, over 70,000 structures have suffered damage, including 250 schools and 52 health centers. These figures may escalate as further evaluations take place, necessitating urgent humanitarian assistance.

The affected population surpasses the 350,000 individuals required to initiate a Flash Appeal. Connectivity issues and widespread destruction hinder efficient response efforts. In Cabo Delgado Province, the districts of Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure, as well as Pemba, have been significantly impacted. Estimates suggest that 272,000 people are affected in this region alone.

A multi-agency assessment mission, led by INGD and supported by OCHA, uncovered extreme devastation in recently impacted areas as of December 18. For instance, in Mecufi, nearly all homes were obliterated, leaving virtually no infrastructure intact, with similar conditions reported in Nangolo.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi subsequently made landfall on January 13, 2025, in Nampula province, producing severe weather, including substantial rainfall and wind gusts up to 180 km/h. Initial assessments conducted by IOM DTM and INGD reveal that 283,334 individuals have been affected, including 142,598 children and 45,333 people with disabilities.

The scale of destruction encompasses approximately 80,865 houses, with a significant portion classified as fully damaged. Impacts were particularly severe in the districts of Mossuril, Ilha de Mozambique, and Monapo, each witnessing considerable population disruption due to the cyclone’s aftermath.

The report highlights the extensive repercussions of Tropical Cyclone Chido and Cyclone Dikeledi in Mozambique, detailing the significant loss of life, injuries, and structural damage. An urgent humanitarian response is required to support the vast number of affected individuals, especially in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Continued assessments are essential for understanding the full scope of the disaster and facilitating aid efforts effectively.

Original Source: reliefweb.int