Mozambique Cyclone Chido: Impact and Urgent Response Required

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, affecting over 174,000 people in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The cyclone resulted in 34 deaths, over 319 injuries, and the destruction of more than 35,000 homes. The region faces heightened risks of cholera and food insecurity due to the storm’s impact on critical infrastructure and agriculture.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the district of Mecufi in Cabo Delgado Province, causing catastrophic damage with wind speeds reaching 120 km/h and torrential rainfall surpassing 250 mm in just 24 hours. The cyclone has severely affected northern Mozambique, particularly the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, with Tete and northern Zambézia experiencing secondary impacts. As of December 17, the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) reported that the disaster has affected 174,000 individuals, resulting in 34 confirmed deaths and 319 injuries.

The cyclone’s devastation extended to over 35,000 homes that were either destroyed or significantly damaged, along with critical infrastructure including schools, health facilities, and water systems. The situation remains dire particularly in Cabo Delgado, where existing vulnerabilities are exacerbated by ongoing conflict-related displacement and a cholera outbreak. In the Mecufi and Chiure districts, nearly all homes have been impacted, with health services made inoperable and significant agricultural losses, including thousands of hectares of crops and seeds of essentials such as maize, beans, sesame, and cassava, leading to a critical food crisis.

Nampula province also reported substantial damage, particularly affecting over 3,600 families in Memba and Erati districts due to compromised fishing assets and disrupted livelihoods. The destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure has increased the risk of waterborne diseases, especially cholera, complicating humanitarian efforts amid the ongoing crisis. Furthermore, with over 80 percent of the population depending on agriculture for sustenance and income, urgent support is paramount to aid affected households in the recovery of their livelihoods and restoration of access to nutritious food.

Mozambique is frequently impacted by severe weather events, particularly cyclones, due to its geographical position along the Indian Ocean. The region has been grappling with various humanitarian crises, intensified by frequent natural disasters and socio-economic challenges. The National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction plays a crucial role in responding to such emergencies, providing reports and assessments that guide recovery efforts. Cyclone Chido’s recent landfall has highlighted the vulnerabilities across affected regions, mandating immediate attention and resources to address associated challenges, including health crises and food insecurity.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted significant damage to northern Mozambique, displacing thousands and aggravating the region’s existing vulnerabilities. With a high number of reported casualties and extensive destruction of homes and infrastructure, immediate humanitarian assistance is essential. The risk of waterborne diseases, alongside the urgent need for agricultural recovery, underscores the necessity for coordinated efforts to support the rebuilding of affected communities and restore essential services. To effectively mitigate these challenges, both local and international support are critical in mobilizing resources and providing relief to impacted populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int