Mozambique Faces Humanitarian Crisis Following Tropical Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido has left approximately 329,510 people affected in Mozambique, with significant destruction of housing and critical infrastructure. Cabo Delgado Province is the hardest hit, compounding the vulnerabilities of local populations. Humanitarian response efforts are underway, but challenges such as overstretched resources hinder effective aid delivery.

As of December 20, 2024, the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in a significant increase in the number of individuals affected in Mozambique, particularly in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reports that approximately 329,510 people, including 65,282 families, have been impacted by the cyclone’s destructive winds and torrential rainfall. Notably, Cabo Delgado Province alone accounts for around 217,000 affected residents, intensifying the challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local communities amidst ongoing conflicts.

The devastation has led to considerable destruction of housing, with 39,133 homes completely destroyed and another 13,343 partially damaged, leaving families exposed to harsh conditions and further protection risks. The onset of the rainy season poses additional threats to these vulnerable populations. Furthermore, Cyclone Chido has significantly damaged critical infrastructure, notably impacting 49 health facilities and disrupting access to clean water, thereby amplifying the risk of disease outbreaks. The destruction also impacted agricultural resources, as distributed seeds were lost, necessitating immediate replenishment to mitigate further dependence on external assistance.

Humanitarian response efforts are actively underway, with a focus on addressing urgent needs for shelter, food, health, water, sanitation, and protection services. However, organizations are facing significant challenges, including strained capacities and diminishing stockpiles, which hinder the swift scaling up of aid operations. The Mozambique Humanitarian Country Team, alongside international partners, is working diligently to mobilize resources to support the government in addressing the pressing needs of the affected populations.

The situation in Mozambique stems from the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of communities already dealing with prior conflicts and economic hardships. The cyclone, characterized by high winds and heavy rainfall, has resulted in substantial damage to housing, infrastructure, and essential services, thereby heightening the risk of health crises and food insecurity. Given the context of ongoing humanitarian challenges, the current response efforts aim to mitigate the cyclone’s effects through coordinated relief initiatives and resource mobilization.

In summary, the situation in Mozambique post-Cyclone Chido continues to deteriorate, with over 329,000 individuals requiring immediate assistance. The ongoing humanitarian response is confronted with significant challenges, including resource limitations and infrastructural damage, necessitating urgent action to support affected families. Collaborative efforts among local and international entities are crucial to enhancing the effectiveness of relief operations aimed at stabilizing the situation for the impacted communities.

Original Source: reliefweb.int