IOM Calls for USD 12.16 Million to Assist Victims of Cyclone Chido in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024, affecting 380,000 individuals across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The cyclone caused severe damage, with over 88,670 homes destroyed. Urgent needs include shelter, water, and food, compounded by ongoing conflict and food insecurity. IOM seeks to raise USD 12.16 million for relief efforts over the next six months to assist 240,000 individuals.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique, impacting the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The cyclone unleashed torrential rains, with accumulations of 250 mm in just 24 hours and wind gusts reaching 260 km/h. This natural disaster has left an estimated 380,000 individuals (76,100 households) affected, with over 88,670 homes either completely or partially destroyed.

The immediate needs of the affected population are urgent and multifaceted, including shelter, non-food items (NFIs), clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and food supplies. Cabo Delgado has faced conflict since 2017, resulting in multiple displacements in the districts stricken by the cyclone. The area also grapples with pre-existing vulnerabilities, exacerbated by ongoing food insecurity, particularly in regions reporting Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Level 4.

As the rainy season commences and is projected to continue until April 2025, the risk of flooding increases, heightening the need for timely assistance. In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is collaborating with the National Institute for Natural Disaster Management (INGD) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), coordinating an inter-agency effort to support the affected communities. Through this flash appeal, IOM aims to raise USD 12.16 million over the next six months to provide aid to 240,000 individuals across the affected provinces. This appeal aligns with the broader inter-agency Flash Appeal for Tropical Cyclone Chido and is being coordinated with the relevant humanitarian clusters.

This situation underscores the challenges faced by Mozambique as it deals with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, a significant natural disaster. Tropical cyclones are not uncommon in the region; however, their impacts can be devastating, particularly in impoverished areas with pre-existing vulnerabilities such as conflict and food insecurity. Cabo Delgado province, where the cyclone struck, has seen continuous conflict since 2017, hindering recovery and development efforts. The disaster exacerbates these issues, and without prompt humanitarian assistance, conditions for the affected populations may worsen significantly. The role of IOM and its partners is crucial in addressing the immediate needs and facilitating recovery efforts.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido’s impact on northern Mozambique has significantly affected a large population already vulnerable due to conflict and food insecurity. Immediate assistance is critical to address the urgent needs for shelter, food, and water. The coordinated efforts of IOM, alongside other agencies, seek to mitigate the damage and provide essential support to the affected sectors. The situation calls for swift action and substantial resources to foster recovery and prevent further deterioration as the rainy season unfolds.

Original Source: reliefweb.int