Mozambique Faces Urgent Humanitarian Crisis Following Tropical Cyclone Chido

Communities in Mozambique have faced severe devastation due to Tropical Cyclone Chido, affecting over 453,000 people, with substantial loss of life and property. The cyclone exacerbates pre-existing vulnerabilities from drought and conflict. Urgent humanitarian assistance in shelter, health, and food security is essential to prevent further suffering, as current resources are inadequate to meet the escalating needs.

The humanitarian situation in Mozambique has reached critical levels following the devastation wrought by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024. The cyclone left behind torrential rains and destructive winds, impacting over 453,000 individuals, with significant casualties and property damage reported. In Cabo Delgado Province, nearly 272,000 individuals suffered severe damage, overshadowing the existing humanitarian crises in these regions. Concurrently, health facilities, homes, and vital services have been compromised, leading to increased risks of waterborne diseases and further straining an already beleaguered response framework. The necessity for rapid and sustained humanitarian assistance is imperative to address immediate shelter, health, and food needs, as the cyclone’s aftermath threatens to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities among the affected populations.

Tropical Cyclone Chido’s impacts in Mozambique cannot be viewed in isolation, as the country faces compounding adversities, including ongoing drought, conflict, and cholera outbreaks. As of the cyclone’s impact, 1.4 million individuals were affected by drought and approximately 1.3 million were grappling with conflict-related challenges. The situation is further complicated by limited resources and ongoing humanitarian operations struggling to meet the escalating needs. Effective coordination among governmental and non-governmental actors is vital for addressing the immediate aftermath and supporting recovery efforts for communities devastated by Chido.

The devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido has precipitated an urgent humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, amplifying existing vulnerabilities due to prior disasters and conflicts. The need for immediate assistance is critical, especially for shelter, food, health services, and sanitation. Strengthening coordination among humanitarian partners and securing additional funding is essential to provide relief and support recovery. Failing to act swiftly may lead to further deterioration of the already precarious situations faced by affected communities, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained intervention.

Original Source: reliefweb.int