Mozambique Cyclone Chido Update: Humanitarian Response and Impact Analysis

Cyclone Chido has affected over 453,000 people in Mozambique, with significant destruction reported, including housing and health facilities. The humanitarian response has begun with appeals for $88 million to assist 320,000 people, while over 70,000 have received help so far. Damage to croplands has raised serious concerns regarding food security and livelihoods among the population.

The situation in Mozambique following Cyclone Chido’s landfall has deteriorated significantly, with the number of affected individuals continuously increasing as assessment efforts expand. As of December 23, approximately 453,971 people across various provinces, including Cabo Delgado and Nampula, have been impacted by the cyclone. Despite the challenges, at least 77,000 individuals have received assistance within the first twelve days post-disaster. The humanitarian community has initiated a flash appeal seeking $88 million to address the urgent needs of 320,000 people, notably 156,000 women and girls, who have been directly impacted.

The cyclone has caused extensive destruction, resulting in approximately 70,400 houses destroyed and an additional 32,200 damaged. Healthcare access has been critically hindered as 52 health units were reported damaged, compromising both routine and emergency medical services in the afflicted regions. The World Food Programme’s assessment has identified vast land inundation, with over 456,000 hectares affected, of which 28,000 hectares were cropland. This has led to profound agricultural losses, exacerbating the existing food insecurity in the region.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has struck Mozambique, causing significant damage and widespread humanitarian concerns. As assessments continue to reveal the full scale of the disaster, government and humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources to provide relief to those impacted. With tens of thousands displaced and in need of immediate assistance, the response efforts focus on addressing urgent health, food security, and shelter needs across several provinces.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on the population of Mozambique, with rising numbers of affected individuals and extensive damage to infrastructure. With ongoing assessments clarifying the situation, the humanitarian response is mobilizing significant funding to assist those in need. The situation calls for continued vigilance and support to address the critical needs of the vulnerable populations affected by this natural disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int