Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing heavy rainfall and strong winds. At least 174,158 people have been affected, with numerous fatalities reported and extensive infrastructure damage. Major impacts were felt in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, leading to urgent humanitarian needs, including food, shelter, and medical supplies. The Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated $4 million in initial support for relief efforts.
On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique, unleashing heavy rainfall and powerful winds that have severely impacted various provinces. The cyclone made landfall with rainfall exceeding 250mm within 24 hours and wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h. Provinces most affected include Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, while areas in Tete and northern Manica also experienced adverse weather. Initial assessments indicate that 174,158 individuals have been affected by the disaster, resulting in 34 fatalities and 319 injuries, with numerous infrastructure damages, including homes and schools.
Following its landfall in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido significantly impacted communities, causing extensive destruction and requiring urgent humanitarian assistance. The National Institute for Natural Disaster (INGD) has reported a total of 35,000 homes destroyed or damaged, alongside severe impacts on various health and educational facilities. Immediate responses are hampered due to inadequate supply stocks and connectivity issues. The Emergency Relief Coordinator has committed $4 million to bolster early humanitarian efforts to address the crisis.
Special focus has been placed on Cabo Delgado, where Pemba and several districts have witnessed critical damage and ongoing health challenges. Existing healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, and the initial needs include food, shelter, and medical supplies. Vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, require safe spaces and dignity kits to ensure their protection and well-being. The joint assessment mission highlighted significant protection concerns related to the lack of civil documentation services and the urgent need for awareness programs focused on prevention and risk mitigation.
In other impacted provinces like Nampula, the situation is dire, with reports of cholera cases exacerbating due to the cyclone’s aftermath. Initial reports indicate that approximately 46,000 people have been affected, leading to further complications such as road damages hindering rescue operations. Health authorities have noted sufficient stockpiles of medicines available for immediate distribution, while efforts are underway to restore communication and access across the affected regions.
As assessments continue, ensuring a coordinated humanitarian response is essential to mitigate the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Chido. Restoration of infrastructures, provision of immediate relief supplies, and addressing health concerns are pivotal steps to foster recovery in the devastated communities.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2024, in Mozambique, causing widespread destruction due to heavy rainfall and high winds. The cyclone particularly affected the Cabo Delgado province and surrounding areas, with immediate humanitarian needs arising from serious infrastructure damage. With more than 174,000 individuals impacted, the devastation calls for urgent response efforts and international aid to address the needs of those affected. This disaster highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities of communities in Mozambique to extreme weather events and the necessity for effective disaster preparedness strategies.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Mozambique, affecting over 174,000 individuals and causing substantial infrastructural damage. The urgent humanitarian response necessitates increased support for those affected, particularly in the hardest-hit provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Efforts must focus on immediate relief, healthcare, and long-term recovery to address the ongoing needs of communities devastated by the cyclone. Collaborative actions and resource mobilization will be crucial in facilitating effective recovery from this severe weather event.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
