Mozambique Faces Aftermath of Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing extensive rainfall and wind damage in several provinces. The storm displaced over 174,000 people, resulting in significant property destruction and loss of life. Emergency funds have been allocated, yet the response is hampered by limited resources amidst urgent humanitarian needs. Comprehensive assessments are ongoing to gauge the full impact of the cyclone.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, unleashing severe rain and winds that reached up to 250 mm and 120 km/h, respectively. As reported by the Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM), the cyclone moved to Malawi on December 16, subsequently impacting Tete province, and is anticipated to dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17. The provinces hardest hit include Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, with an estimated 174,000 individuals affected, along with significant infrastructural damage including the destruction of over 35,000 homes, and reports of fatalities and injuries.

In Cabo Delgado province, where most of the damage occurred, local communities have faced overwhelming destruction, particularly in Mecufi and Chiure districts. Reports indicate that 99% of all structures in Mecufi have been significantly damaged, with the health services severely compromised. A lack of access to clean water and medical supplies has exacerbated the crisis, requiring urgent humanitarian support for displaced populations and those unable to receive proper care. In Chiure, approximately 60% of homes lost their roofs, affecting nearly 70% of the population.

Nampula province reports over 46,000 individuals affected, with many homes either partially or completely destroyed. Concerns regarding the ongoing cholera outbreak complicate the situation, with local health authorities striving to ensure adequate medical supplies are available. Meanwhile, in Niassa province, approximately 425 people were impacted, with both residential and school infrastructures suffering damage, which denotes the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Chido.

As the emergency response continues, the Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated US$4 million to assist with humanitarian efforts. However, challenges such as limited stock of essential supplies hinder the response amid increasing needs for food, shelter, and health resources. The subsequent assessments and data are expected to reveal an even broader scope of the impact, necessitating coordinated efforts to ensure community safety and support for vulnerable groups in the aftermath of this disaster.

Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck Mozambique in December 2024, has been classified as an intense weather event resulting in catastrophic impacts on vulnerable populations. Heavy rainfall and high winds affected multiple provinces, with extensive destruction reported in housing, health facilities, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure. The National Institute for Meteorology and the National Institute for Natural Disaster are actively assessing the situation as the country grapples with the immediate effects of the cyclone, underscoring the need for humanitarian assistance and coordinated recovery efforts.

The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido presents a dire situation in Mozambique, with significant loss of life and widespread destruction reported across multiple provinces. Immediate humanitarian response is necessary to address the needs for shelter, medical supplies, and food security among affected communities. The allocation of funds and support from emergency relief agencies will be crucial in mitigating the impact of this natural disaster, while ongoing assessments will provide further insight into the full scope of the damage sustained. Continued focus on protection measures for vulnerable groups within these communities remains a priority.

Original Source: www.unocha.org