Emergency Response to Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, affecting around 2 million people. Emergency responses include early warnings, evacuation orders, and food assistance for displaced families, particularly in Pemba. Significant risks to infrastructure have prompted multi-sectoral assessments in affected districts.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the Mecufi district of Cabo Delgado province, placing an estimated 2 million individuals at risk. Of these, approximately 627,000 people are considered to be at high risk, while 1.4 million face moderate risk. The cyclone poses significant threats to infrastructure, including river basins, roads, electricity poles, and health facilities, thereby necessitating urgent preparedness and response measures.

The districts most vulnerable to the cyclone include Mecufi, Chiure, Metuge, Pemba, Namuno, Montepuez, and Ancuabe in Cabo Delgado, as well as Memba, Nacaroa, and Erati in neighboring Nampula province. In anticipation of the storm, authorities initiated the dissemination of early warning messages and evacuation instructions, which began on December 8 in Nampula and December 12 in Pemba, effectively reaching over 400,000 individuals across the affected regions. This initiative is part of the activation of the Anticipatory Action Plan coordinated by humanitarian organizations.

In response to the cyclone’s impact, the World Food Programme (WFP) deployed emergency food assistance to approximately 500 families displaced to temporary accommodation centers in Pemba within 24 hours of landfall. Additional food support was provided in Mogincual, Nampula, to those in temporary shelters under the auspices of the National Disaster Management Institute (INGD) with the backing of WFP. Furthermore, multi-sectoral assessments are scheduled to take place in the hardest-hit districts of Mecufi and Chiure, focusing on the needs and conditions of the affected populace.

Cyclone Chido has raised urgent concerns regarding the well-being of over two million people in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. The unprecedented storm not only threatens lives but also jeopardizes critical infrastructure, illustrating the inherent vulnerabilities of these regions to natural disasters. Anticipatory measures have been enacted to mitigate the cyclone’s impact, reflecting both local and international efforts to manage disaster response effectively. The involvement of the WFP and INGD underscores a collaborative approach to delivering timely humanitarian assistance during this crisis.

In summary, the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido is significant, with millions at risk and immediate threats to essential infrastructure in Mozambique. The proactive measures undertaken by governmental and humanitarian organizations demonstrate a commitment to safeguard the affected populations. The swift delivery of food aid and the launch of assessments signal a focused effort to address the urgent needs arising from this natural disaster and to prepare for possible aftereffects, ensuring that communities receive the necessary support.

Original Source: reliefweb.int