Mozambique’s Humanitarian Crisis Following Tropical Cyclone Chido: An Urgent Call for Assistance

Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated Mozambique, impacting over 450,000 individuals and causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. With multiple districts heavily affected, immediate humanitarian assistance is required, particularly in health services and food security. The challenge is compounded by existing crises such as drought and conflict, which further strain resources and exacerbate vulnerabilities.

Mozambique is facing a humanitarian crisis following the catastrophic impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024. This cyclone unleashed torrential rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a single day and winds reaching 120 km/h. As of December 24, it was reported that approximately 453,971 individuals suffered from the cyclone’s aftermath, resulting in 120 fatalities and 868 injuries.

The cyclone led to significant destruction of infrastructure, with over 70,000 homes and critical facilities, including schools and health centres, either partially or completely destroyed. Districts such as Mecufi, Metuge, and Pemba in Cabo Delgado Province were particularly hard-hit, reporting nearly total devastation where homes were obliterated and communities left in ruin. In Nampula Province, additional distress was caused by a cholera outbreak amid the destruction.

Efforts to assess the damage have highlighted severe challenges, including damaged roads that complicate evacuations and the delivery of essential supplies. Limited communication capabilities hinder efforts to gather situational awareness. While early warnings and evacuation efforts from the government mitigated some loss of life, the urgent humanitarian needs continue to surpass available resources. Immediate assistance for food, water, and medical care remains critical, especially as populations are left vulnerable to disease and socio-economic instability.

Many displaced persons, who were already suffering due to previous conflicts, are now confronting the challenges posed by Cyclone Chido. The necessity for shelter, rebuilding materials, and public health interventions is paramount to restore stability in the regions impacted. Moreover, reports of gender-based violence in the aftermath of the cyclone raise severe concerns about community safety and well-being.

With limited funding available, the humanitarian response faces an uphill battle to deliver consistent relief. Concurrently, Mozambique grapples with several other crises, including drought and ongoing conflict, exacerbating the humanitarian landscape. The time-sensitive need to replenish humanitarian stocks and provide immediate support to affected communities is emphasized, as the situation demands a robust and collaborative approach to avert further deterioration.

The current humanitarian crisis in Mozambique is exacerbated by the devastating Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall in December 2024. The cyclone’s intense winds and heavy rainfall caused widespread destruction across various provinces, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents, damaging critical infrastructure, and putting immense pressure on already strained humanitarian resources. Additionally, pre-existing challenges such as conflict, drought, and outbreaks of disease in the region have contributed to the dire situation. The response efforts are further complicated by inadequate funding and logistical challenges.

The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has created a significant humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, with essential needs rapidly exceeding the available relief capacity. The interplay of natural disasters, conflict, and existing vulnerabilities in the population necessitates urgent and substantial support from humanitarian agencies and international partners. Addressing the multifaceted challenges, including housing, food security, and health services, is crucial for stabilizing the affected communities. Without immediate intervention and adequate funding, the situation may continue to deteriorate, with long-lasting repercussions for the vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.unocha.org