Approximately 90,000 children have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique, which caused extensive damage to homes, schools, and health facilities. The storm has compounded existing vulnerabilities from conflict and health crises, leading to urgent humanitarian needs for over 174,000 people. UN agencies are mobilizing support, but challenges persist due to limited resources.
Tropical Cyclone Chido recently struck northern Mozambique, inflicting severe damage across communities, particularly in Cabo Delgado province. Current assessments indicate that approximately 90,000 children have been affected by the disaster, with over 35,000 homes being either destroyed or severely damaged, according to reports from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The cyclone’s impact has left 174,000 people in total currently in need, and these figures may escalate as further assessments are conducted.
The storm not only devastated residential structures but also obliterated educational facilities, with at least 186,000 classrooms destroyed and 20 health facilities impacted. The cyclone made landfall near the city of Pemba, where it wreaked havoc on civilian infrastructure and disrupted electricity and communication systems. Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF’s representative in Mozambique, stated that, “Mozambique is considered one of the most affected countries in the world by climate change,” underscoring the prior vulnerabilities faced by children in the region due to conflicts, drought, and health crises.
The province of Cabo Delgado has been plagued by conflict for seven years, leading to significant internal displacement, particularly among women and children. For numerous families, Cyclone Chido exacerbated their hardships, destroying what limited resources had been rebuilt. In addition to Cabo Delgado, the cyclone affected neighboring Nampula and Niassa provinces, leaving 25,000 families without access to electricity and damaging water facilities. The ongoing cholera outbreak in the region raises concerns about public health amidst the additional destruction.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) swiftly provided emergency aid to those impacted, delivering basic necessities such as blankets and emergency shelter supplies to over 2,600 residents in Pemba within the initial two days post-cyclone. Eujin Byun, a spokesperson for UNHCR, revealed that preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 190,000 people urgently require humanitarian assistance, with 33 schools impacted and nearly 10,000 homes destroyed.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced that UN teams are actively involved in supplying emergency relief and are prepared to offer further support as necessary. However, the response faced challenges due to limited supplies, prompting Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher to allocate $4 million for prompt humanitarian assistance in Mozambique. The World Food Programme (WFP) has also highlighted a projected food insecurity crisis affecting nearly 3.3 million people next year and is mobilizing resources to assist those most severely impacted by the cyclone.
In addition to Mozambique, Cyclone Chido caused considerable destruction in Mayotte, leading to fatalities and increased risks for marginalized groups, including asylum seekers. Southern Malawi also experienced considerable damage from the storm, with assessments ongoing to address the need for support.
In summary, the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido has prompted urgent humanitarian responses in Mozambique. The country faces compounded challenges of climate change, conflict, and public health crises, necessitating comprehensive support and long-term strategies to aid affected communities.
Cyclone Chido highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by Mozambique, in a region severely impacted by climate change and persistent conflicts. The intensity of the storm and its aftermath demonstrate the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts. Approximately 3.3 million individuals are anticipated to face food insecurity due to the cyclone, alongside the existing health emergencies, which complicate the recovery process. Understanding the historical context of conflict and climatic challenges is crucial for comprehensive aid efforts.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage upon northern Mozambique, significantly impacting children and displacing families. The immediate need for humanitarian assistance is evident, with global organizations mobilizing support to address the massive destruction and the ongoing challenges of conflict and public health crises in the region. A concerted effort from the international community is essential to assist those affected and to plan for future resilience against similar catastrophes.
Original Source: news.un.org
