Mozambique Cyclone Chido: Widespread Devastation and Urgent Humanitarian Needs

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, with destructive winds and heavy rainfall causing widespread damage. Approximately 174,000 people are affected, resulting in 34 deaths and extensive destruction of homes and infrastructure. The cyclone has heightened the risk of waterborne diseases and food insecurity, necessitating urgent humanitarian response efforts to support recovery and rebuilding.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the district of Mecufi in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, unleashing devastating winds up to 120 km/h and torrential rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours. The cyclone has severely impacted northern Mozambique, particularly in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, with significant effects observed in Tete and northern Zambézia. The National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) reports that as of December 17, 174,000 individuals are affected by the cyclone, resulting in 34 fatalities and 319 injuries. More than 35,000 homes have suffered destruction or damage, along with essential infrastructure, including educational and health facilities, as well as water systems.

The aftermath of the cyclone has intensified the vulnerabilities already present in the region, especially in Cabo Delgado, which continues to deal with conflict-induced displacement and an ongoing cholera outbreak. In the Mecufi and Chiure districts, damage is nearly total, with 100 percent of homes impacted and health services incapacitated. Cyclone Chido has also wreaked havoc on agricultural lands, decimating thousands of hectares of crops such as maize, beans, sesame, and cassava, resulting in food insecurity and diminished recovery prospects for the affected communities. The districts of Memba and Erati in Nampula province report that over 3,600 families have suffered severe impacts on their fishing livelihoods and resources.

The destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure has raised alarm about the increased risk of waterborne diseases, particularly cholera. In addition, disrupted communication and power networks are complicating ongoing humanitarian relief efforts. With over 80 percent of the population in Mozambique dependent on agriculture for sustenance and livelihood, immediate intervention is imperative to assist affected families in rebuilding their lives, restoring their food security, and reviving their means of income.

Mozambique is frequently susceptible to extreme weather events, particularly tropical cyclones, which have increased in intensity and frequency in recent years due to climate change. These cyclones often result in widespread destruction, significantly impacting vulnerable populations already challenged by socio-economic issues. Cyclone Chido’s recent landfall has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in Cabo Delgado, a province grappling with conflict and health crises, thereby necessitating urgent humanitarian response measures. The situation emphasizes the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to mitigate the impacts of such natural disasters.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted extensive devastation on northern Mozambique, impacting thousands of individuals and obliterating vital infrastructure. With immediate interventions essential for humanitarian assistance, the cyclone has highlighted the need for increased disaster resilience, especially considering Mozambique’s reliance on agriculture. The continued risk of disease outbreaks and food insecurity underscores the importance of concerted efforts to aid recovery and rebuild livelihoods in the aftermath of this catastrophic event.

Original Source: reliefweb.int