Red Cross Responds to Cyclone Chido and Enhances Preparedness Efforts in Mozambique

Cyclone Chido has brought devastation to Mozambique and surrounding regions, affecting over 622,000 individuals and destroying thousands of homes. The IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal, aiming to raise 10 million Swiss francs to support 100,000 people through immediate relief and preparedness efforts against future storms.

The recent landing of Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has marked the onset of the South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season, resulting in extensive damage across multiple nations including Madagascar, Comoros, Malawi, and Mayotte. The cyclone has led to significant loss of life, structural destruction, and the displacement of thousands of individuals. As assessments of the situation are still ongoing, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has mobilized resources and launched an Emergency Appeal to assist the impacted populations.

Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc since its landfall on December 15, with Mozambique suffering particularly dire consequences. Preliminary assessments indicate that around 622,000 individuals are affected within Mozambique alone. The cyclone caused over 130,000 shelters to be either damaged or completely destroyed. Neighboring regions are similarly impacted, with over 64,000 residents affected in Comoros and significant damage noted in Malawi and Mayotte. Rescue efforts are being coordinated by Red Cross teams deployed across the affected countries.

In response to the urgent needs of the affected communities, the IFRC has initiated an Emergency Appeal aiming to raise 10 million Swiss francs. This funding will provide holistic support to at least 100,000 individuals in Mozambique and surrounding nations. The response plan includes distributing essential items at emergency shelters, offering cash assistance, and delivering health services while prioritizing the reestablishment of livelihoods for those affected.

Beyond immediate aid, the appeal seeks to enhance disaster preparedness for the remaining cyclone season, targeting 500,000 individuals in prone areas. This comprises improving early warning systems, pre-positioning vital supplies, and training local volunteers in disaster readiness and response strategies. The IFRC emphasizes the importance of community resilience in mitigating the impacts of future storms.

The onset of the South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season typically brings about severe weather-related challenges in several countries. Cyclone Chido has exemplified these challenges as it traversed regions already vulnerable to climate extremes. The impacts of such storms are profound, often resulting in widespread infrastructure damage and displacement of communities, necessitating immediate and long-term humanitarian responses to aid recovery and rebuild resilience.

Cyclone Chido’s devastating impact reflects the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Mozambique and its neighboring countries impacted by the storm. The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal seeks to provide immediate relief and enhance future preparedness, emphasizing the critical role of community readiness in mitigating the effects of similar disasters. Further support is essential to assist the thousands of affected individuals in rebuilding their lives and ensuring safety against upcoming storms.

Original Source: reliefweb.int