Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing extensive destruction, particularly in Cabo Delgado Province. Significant impacts included the destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities, with casualties reported and urgent needs for water supply and medical care. The cyclone’s rapid movement further complicates recovery efforts in affected provinces.
Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the Mecufi district of Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, at 6:20 a.m. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall, with totals reaching 250mm within 24 hours, and maximum wind speeds of 180km/h. The cyclone progressed into Malawi, and was predicted to dissipate over Zimbabwe on December 17. Provinces most affected include Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, with Tete and Northern Manica also experiencing adverse conditions.
Cabo Delgado Province faced significant destruction, particularly in the districts of Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba. Approximately 23,598 homes were reported destroyed, along with substantial damage to educational and health facilities. Critical infrastructure issues have arisen, including disrupted electricity, water supplies, and internet connectivity. Following the cyclone, Pemba airport was temporarily closed but has since reopened.
In Mecufi district, nearly all houses suffered damage, leaving around 400 families homeless. Tragically, 16 fatalities and 50 injuries have been confirmed, while 35 individuals required patient transfers to Pemba for medical treatment. Health care professionals are currently operating from a school, facing dire conditions. Medical supplies have been compromised due to exposure to the elements, resulting in complete stock loss.
Chiure district experienced 50% of houses losing their roofs, with an overall destruction of homes reaching 50%. There have been 31 reported injuries and 2 confirmed deaths. Additionally, there exists an urgent water supply crisis in Megaruma, necessitating immediate water trucking services for 3,000 families. Health services remain limited, with only 30% operational at the Chiúre Rural Hospital. No displaced individuals are currently housed in four active accommodation centers, although over 1,000 individuals are sheltering at Kuphe School without adequate support or registration.
Metuge district is accessible only via 4×4 vehicles, revealing extensive shelter destruction. Notably, the medication warehouse and maternity facilities have also sustained severe damage. In Pemba district, efforts to activate accommodation centers facilitated by IOM and UNHCR have seen minimal success, with population displacement primarily affecting the vulnerable neighborhoods of Paquitequete. Urban flooding remains a significant risk in several areas of Pemba City, including Bairro Cariaco and Alto Chuiba.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on Northern Mozambique, particularly affecting Cabo Delgado Province. The cyclone, categorized as intense, unleashed heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to widespread destruction. Its rapid movement across several provinces highlights the urgent need for humanitarian support and infrastructure recovery, given the extensive damage to homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, as well as ongoing risks related to water and power supply outages.
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has left a marked impact on Northern Mozambique, especially in Cabo Delgado Province. With loss of life, displaced individuals, and extensive destruction to infrastructure, immediate humanitarian assistance is critical. The ongoing health risks and disrupted services necessitate urgent intervention to ensure the affected communities can recover and rebuild.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
