Mozambique Faces Humanitarian Crisis Following Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi

Mozambique experienced the catastrophic effects of Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, impacting over 735,000 individuals and causing widespread destruction of infrastructure. The natural disasters have resulted in significant casualties and damages, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the affected regions.

On December 15, 2024, Mozambique faced the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which brought torrential rainfall over 250 mm within 24 hours and winds reaching 120 km/h. The cyclone moved through the country before dissipating in Zimbabwe on December 17, leaving extensive damage in its wake. By December 24, it was reported that approximately 453,971 individuals were affected, alongside 120 fatalities and 868 injuries, with assessments indicating further rises in these numbers.

The destruction was severe, with over 70,000 homes wholly or partially damaged, and significant losses to schools, health centers, and electrical infrastructure. The National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) confirmed that over 350,000 individuals were impacted, surpassing the threshold for triggering a Flash Appeal. Ongoing connectivity challenges impede response efforts and situational awareness in these severely affected areas.

Cabo Delgado Province bore the brunt of the disaster, particularly in the districts of Mecufi, Metuge, and Pemba, where an estimated 272,000 individuals were affected. A joint multi-agency rapid assessment mission identified that communities in these areas suffered near-total destruction, notably in Mecufi, where almost all houses were reported destroyed.

Subsequently, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall on January 13, 2025, near Ilha de Mozambique in Nampula Province. This cyclone also resulted in catastrophic conditions, bringing significant precipitation, including 247 mm recorded in Mossuril. Winds reached 150 km/h, with gusts of up to 180 km/h, leading to further devastation in the region.

As of January 27, the initial assessments indicated that 283,334 individuals were affected by Cyclone Dikeledi. Among those impacted, there were 142,598 children, alongside significant numbers of women, men, and people with disabilities. The destruction included an estimated 80,865 homes, 48 health facilities, and widespread agricultural damage across the affected districts.

Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi have severely impacted Mozambique, leading to extensive destruction and a significant humanitarian crisis. The effects of both storms have resulted in thousands of homes being destroyed and substantial casualties, necessitating urgent humanitarian response and support from international organizations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int