Mozambique: Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido and Urgent Humanitarian Needs
Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated communities in Mozambique since December 15, 2024, affecting over 453,000 individuals with significant destruction of homes and health infrastructure. A Flash Appeal is triggered due to urgent humanitarian needs. Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces have seen severe impacts, including a cholera outbreak. Immediate assistance for shelter, food, health services, and GBV prevention is critical amid concurrent crises, with urgent funding needed to support recovery efforts.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation in Mozambique since making landfall on December 15, 2024, with rainfall exceeding 250 mm and winds up to 120 km/h. By December 24, an estimated 453,971 people have been affected, with 120 fatalities and 868 injuries, and over 70,000 houses and 250 schools destroyed. The enormity of the disaster has prompted a Flash Appeal due to the needs of the community that exceed 350,000 individuals.
Cabo Delgado Province has been particularly impacted, with districts such as Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure suffering extensive damage, affecting around 272,000 people. A joint assessment mission revealed nearly complete destruction in Mecufi, where almost all homes were demolished. Health centers and essential medical supplies are now destroyed, leaving families struggling to recover.
Nampula Province has also experienced severe effects, with an estimated 175,169 individuals affected and over 35,000 homes destroyed, along with reports of seven deaths and 24 injuries. A cholera outbreak has emerged in Nampula, complicating the public health crisis as destroyed infrastructure inhibits access to medical care and hygienic conditions.
In light of this disaster, impacted communities urgently require shelter, food, water, and hygiene supplies to avert waterborne diseases. Repairs to health facilities and schools are essential to restore necessary services. Immediate assistance is critical for those relying on agriculture, fishing, and livestock for their livelihoods.
Gender-based violence (GBV) concerns have escalated post-cyclone, with accumulated trauma reported among affected individuals. Many have lost documentation, and there are alarming reports of GBV occurrences within temporary accommodation. Addressing these risks demands that GBV prevention be integrated into humanitarian programming and reinforced through collaboration with local authorities.
As response efforts are underway, the existing crisis further challenges resources, with the cyclone confronting populations already affected by violence and displacement. The humanitarian response must actively replenish stocks and sustain relief efforts to combat Southern Africa’s ongoing drought and cholera outbreak, while enhancing community resilience against future disasters.
Funding is urgently needed to support these humanitarian operations as the Cyclone struck towards the year’s end, complicating financial mobilization. Only 31% and 39% of appeal requirements for the drought and broader humanitarian needs have been met, necessitating a swift response to ensure the provision of basic needs without further exacerbating the vulnerability of these communities.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique is profound, with significant damage to infrastructure and an urgent humanitarian crisis emerging. The affected regions require immediate assistance in shelter, food, and healthcare to prevent further loss of life, particularly from cholera and GBV. Limited resources and pre-existing crises complicate the situation, necessitating greater international support and coordinated efforts to provide relief and restore basic services for the impacted populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
