WFP Mozambique: Response to Tropical Cyclone Chido – Situation Update December 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2024, in Cabo Delgado province, affecting approximately 2 million people, with 627,000 classified as high risk. The WFP has begun emergency food distribution to cyclone-affected families, and early warning and evacuation measures have reached over 400,000 individuals. Ongoing assessments are planned to address the cyclone’s impact and coordinate relief efforts.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mecufi, located in Cabo Delgado province, posing a significant threat to the region. Approximately 2 million individuals have been identified as at risk, with 627,000 categorized as high risk and 1.4 million as moderate risk. Meteorological updates from the government indicate potential severe impacts on infrastructure, necessitating immediate preparedness and response actions, particularly for affected river basins, transportation networks, electricity infrastructure, and healthcare facilities.

The districts of Mecufi, Chiure, Metuge, Pemba, Namuno, Montepuez, and Ancuabe in Cabo Delgado, along with Memba, Nacaroa, and Erati in Nampula province, are currently facing the highest risk. In light of this, early warning messages and voluntary evacuation instructions commenced on December 8 in Nampula and on December 12 in Pemba, effectively reaching over 400,000 individuals across impacted districts as part of the Anticipatory Action Plan.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has swiftly initiated emergency food assistance, distributing aid to roughly 500 families affected by the cyclone who are currently residing in temporary accommodation centers in Pemba. Furthermore, in Mogincual, Nampula, food support was provided in temporary accommodation centers under the activation of the Anticipatory Action Plan, collaborating with the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) alongside WFP’s efforts. Comprehensive assessments across multiple sectors are planned for the Mecufi and Chiure districts to evaluate the full impact of the cyclone and aid in recovery efforts.

Tropical cyclones have posed significant challenges to Mozambique, particularly impacting vulnerable populations in coastal regions. Cyclone Chido, having made landfall in December 2024, has raised alarm due to its potential for devastating effects on both human lives and infrastructure. The government’s response, alongside the efforts of organizations like the WFP, emphasizes early warning systems and food assistance to mitigate the cyclone’s impacts on at-risk communities. Understanding the high-risk zones and the scale of potential damage is critical in ensuring effective disaster response and recovery strategies.

In conclusion, the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in December 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in Mozambique. With millions at risk, proactive measures such as early warning dissemination and immediate food assistance are vital. It is imperative that continued assessments and responsive actions are taken to support affected populations and facilitate recovery efforts in the wake of this natural disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int