Cabo Delgado Province Devastated by Cyclone Chido: Urgent Humanitarian Response Needed

Cyclone Chido struck Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, causing widespread destruction and affecting approximately 687,630 individuals. The cyclone led to over 120 fatalities and significant damage to homes, healthcare, and educational institutions, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities in the region amidst ongoing conflict and instability.

On December 15, 2024, Cyclone Chido, a powerful Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone, struck Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique, after causing devastation across Mauritius, Madagascar, and Mayotte. With winds reaching 250 kilometers per hour and torrential downpours of up to 250 mm per hour, the cyclone caused extensive damage across several districts, including Chiúre, Mecufi, and Pemba. The impact has been catastrophic, affecting approximately 687,630 individuals, with over 120 fatalities and 868 reported injuries, alongside significant damage to housing, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. In total, 509,800 residents in Cabo Delgado have faced direct repercussions, representing 74.13% of the total affected population, while ongoing power outages and communication breakdowns have hampered emergency response efforts.

This calamity comes amidst ongoing challenges in the region, including conflict, political instability, and a cholera outbreak, further exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities of the population. Many residents were already enduring difficult conditions, facing economic hardships and limited access to essential services. The cyclone’s destruction has intensified humanitarian needs, underscoring the necessity for both immediate and long-term support to rebuild infrastructure and stabilize the affected communities.

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergency Response (INGD) is actively updating casualty and damage reports as information is gathered from the field. However, the situation remains fluid, with community protection actors also severely impacted by the cyclone, complicating communication and aid efforts. Recovery will demand a collaborative approach to address immediate relief requirements while concurrently tackling structural challenges in the region’s recovery efforts.

Cyclone Chido has drawn significant attention due to its severe impact on Cabo Delgado Province, a region already plagued by socio-economic issues, including conflict and political tensions. The cyclone follows a history of natural disasters that have led to recurrent vulnerabilities in Mozambique. The humanitarian landscape in Cabo Delgado is precarious, with various factors such as health crises, displacement, and economic instability exacerbating residents’ suffering. The destruction caused by the cyclone has necessitated urgent action to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on Cabo Delgado Province, resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure and significant human suffering. Despite ongoing challenges in communication and emergency response, there is an urgent need for coordinated relief efforts to support the affected population and rebuild the region. Addressing both immediate requirements and long-term recovery strategies will be essential in restoring stability and resilience to the communities hit by this disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int