Humanitarian Crisis in Mozambique: Impact of Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude

Mozambique faces severe challenges due to three tropical cyclones in recent months, impacting hundreds of thousands and leading to fatalities. Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude caused extensive damage to homes, schools, and health facilities, further complicated by an ongoing cholera outbreak. Urgent humanitarian efforts and infrastructural support are needed to aid recovery and rebuilding.

The communities in Mozambique are experiencing severe hardships due to Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024, accompanied by torrential rainfall exceeding 250 mm and strong winds of up to 120 km/h. The cyclone progressed into Malawi and dissipated in Zimbabwe by December 17. The extensive damage includes approximately 453,971 individuals affected, with 120 fatalities and 868 injuries. Significant destruction includes over 70,000 houses, 250 schools, and 52 health centres.

In Cabo Delgado Province, regions such as Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure, including the capital Pemba, reported substantial damage, impacting an estimated 272,000 residents. A joint multi-agency assessment led by the National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) and supported by OCHA revealed the extensive devastation, particularly in Mecufi, where nearly all residences were destroyed.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Nampula Province on January 13, 2025, producing severe weather conditions marked by precipitation of 247 mm in Mossuril and wind speeds reaching 150 km/h, alongside gusts up to 180 km/h. Initial assessments indicated that 283,334 people were affected, including 142,598 children and 45,333 individuals with disabilities. Damage included 80,865 houses and critical infrastructure such as health facilities and schools.

On March 10, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Nampula Province, bringing sustained winds and causing widespread damage across multiple provinces, particularly impacting key road networks and electricity. Early response efforts were activated through the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework for Cyclones, allowing humanitarian partners to mobilize resources promptly prior to the cyclone’s arrival.

The cyclone exacerbated the ongoing cholera outbreak, leading to further declarations in Larde and Angoche districts. Current reports indicate approximately 390,000 individuals affected with increasing fatalities and substantial destruction of infrastructure, including health units, schools, and water systems. Extensive flooding has worsened the situation, affecting over one million hectares and threatening livelihoods.

The impact of Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude on Mozambique has been catastrophic, with substantial loss of life, widespread destruction of homes, and significant disruption to essential services. The urgency of humanitarian response efforts is evident, as the affected populations are left vulnerable amidst ongoing crises, including cholera outbreaks. Continued support and assessment are critical to address the needs of impacted communities and rebuild infrastructure.

Original Source: www.unocha.org