Mozambique Cyclones: Impacts of Chido and Dikeledi on Affected Communities

Mozambique has been severely impacted by Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. Cyclone Chido affected approximately 453,971 people with significant damages reported, including over 70,000 destroyed homes. Cyclone Dikeledi later affected 283,334 individuals, damaging 80,865 houses and impacting health and educational facilities. The humanitarian response is crucial as communities face overwhelming needs for recovery and rehabilitation.

Mozambique is currently facing the ongoing crises resulting from Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which have severely impacted various communities across the country. The National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) reports that Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2024, unleashing 250 mm of rain within 24 hours and winds reaching 120 km/h. This cyclone has left at least 453,971 people affected, with 120 fatalities reported and an extensive destruction of infrastructure, including over 70,000 homes, schools, and health facilities.

In Cabo Delgado Province, districts such as Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure suffered extensive damage, with nearly complete destruction of homes in Mecufi and surrounding areas. As assessments continue, challenges in connectivity have further complicated the understanding of the full scale of devastation and needs of the affected populations.

Following Cyclone Chido, Cyclone Dikeledi struck on January 13, 2025, bringing torrential rains and devastating winds of up to 180 km/h. This cyclone has affected approximately 283,334 individuals, including a significant proportion of women and children. Damage reports indicate that 80,865 houses have sustained varying degrees of damage, along with extensive impacts on health facilities, schools, and agricultural land.

The hardest hit regions from Cyclone Dikeledi include Mossuril and Ilha de Mozambique, where thousands of individuals have been reported as affected. Rapid assessments conducted by IOM DTM and INGD reveal critical needs for aid and rehabilitation in these districts as communities work to recover from these successive disasters.

Efforts to respond to the needs arising from these cyclones remain a top priority for humanitarian organizations, particularly as the impact continues to unfold across Mozambique. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and various partners are actively engaged in relief efforts to address these urgent challenges while striving to improve the overall situation for all affected individuals.

The humanitarian crises in Mozambique due to Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi have resulted in substantial losses and critical needs for the affected populations. With thousands of homes destroyed and over 700,000 individuals impacted, a coordinated response is essential to mitigate the ongoing challenges. Recovery efforts are critical, as communities strive to rebuild from the devastation caused by these natural disasters.

Original Source: reliefweb.int