Red Cross Responds to Cyclone Chido and Enhances Preparedness for Future Storms in Mozambique

Cyclone Chido has devastated regions across Mozambique and neighboring countries, affecting over 622,000 people and causing significant infrastructure damage. The IFRC has an Emergency Appeal to raise funds for immediate relief and future preparedness, targeting 100,000 individuals to provide essential support such as shelter, food, and healthcare. This initiative also aims to enhance community resilience against future disasters.

Nairobi/Geneva, 26 December 2024 – The onset of the South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season has been marked by the devastating impact of cyclone Chido, which made landfall in Mozambique on 15 December. This catastrophic event has unleashed heavy rains and powerful winds across multiple nations, including Madagascar, Comoros, Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction of infrastructure. Thousands have been forcibly displaced as a result of these conditions.

Initial assessments reveal that approximately 622,000 individuals have been affected in Mozambique alone, with over 130,000 shelters either damaged or entirely destroyed. The situation is dire, as cyclone Chido has also impacted more than 64,000 people in Comoros, leading to severe damage to homes, schools, and agricultural lands. Malawi has reported that over 45,000 residents are affected, while Mayotte, a French overseas territory, has seen 70% of its population impacted, with more than 35,000 houses lost.

To address this humanitarian crisis, teams from the Red Cross have been deployed to support rescue operations across the affected regions. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has responded by launching an Emergency Appeal to manage the substantial effects of cyclone Chido, aiming to raise 10 million Swiss francs. This funding will assist 100,000 individuals across Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi, providing a comprehensive approach that encompasses cash assistance, shelter, livelihood support, and healthcare.

Furthermore, the appeal outlines essential activities including the distribution of vital household items, cash distributions, and provision of clean water and healthcare services. A key component of this initiative is also to bolster local community preparedness for future storms, with a focus on enhancing early warning systems, positioning emergency supplies, and training volunteers for disaster response.

The South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season has the potential to affect millions across various nations. Cyclone Chido’s impact underscores the urgent need for swift and effective humanitarian response efforts, particularly in nations that are frequently exposed to natural disasters. The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal is a proactive measure to ensure aid reaches those in need while also equipping communities to better cope with similar disasters in the future. With forecasts predicting more severe cyclones in the season ahead, preparedness and immediate relief actions are crucial.

In summary, the response to cyclone Chido highlights the critical role of humanitarian organizations in providing immediate support to affected populations while also emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness in mitigating the impact of future storms. The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal aims not only to assist those currently affected but also to strengthen community resilience, thus enhancing overall readiness against the adverse effects of natural disasters.

Original Source: reliefweb.int