Mozambique Cyclone Chido: Situation Update and Humanitarian Response

Cyclone Chido has affected an estimated 329,510 individuals in Mozambique, with significant damage to shelters, health facilities, and water systems. Ongoing humanitarian response efforts face challenges due to resource constraints, compounded by the onset of the rainy season. Urgent replenishment of essential supplies, such as seeds, is crucial to prevent reliance on external aid as the situation develops.

As the aftermath of Cyclone Chido unfolds, the number of individuals affected continues to escalate across the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. Recent assessments reveal that approximately 65,282 families, translating to around 329,510 individuals, have suffered due to the cyclone’s destructive winds and torrential rainfall, with a significant impact seen in Cabo Delgado, where about 217,000 people are affected. The situation remains dire as severe damage has been reported, with tens of thousands of homes destroyed or compromised, leaving many families vulnerable to further risk, especially with the impending rainy season.

Furthermore, critical services have been disrupted due to damages to health facilities and water systems, with 49 health centers rendered inoperative and communities deprived of clean water access. The destruction of seeds that had previously been distributed poses an urgent need for replenishment to avert increased dependency on external aid. Efforts to mobilize resources continue, yet the capacity to meet the needs of the affected populations is strained due to dwindling stockpiles and limited operational resources, underscoring the urgency of the humanitarian response.

Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted northern Mozambique, leading to devastating consequences particularly in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) has confirmed extensive damage, prompting a coordinated response from various humanitarian partners. This disaster interplays with existing vulnerabilities faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities, particularly within Cabo Delgado which has been afflicted by ongoing conflict. The collective efforts of the Mozambique Humanitarian Country Team and other development partners are focused on mobilizing resources to meet the pressing needs of those affected by this natural disaster.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage across several provinces in Mozambique, affecting thousands of families and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities for IDPs and host communities. The urgent need for shelter, food, clean water, and health services remains unaddressed due to limited resources and infrastructural challenges. Mobilization of assistance is critical to mitigate the risks of further deterioration in the affected regions, particularly as the rainy season approaches. It is imperative that swift and effective responses are implemented to alleviate the plight of those impacted by this disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int