Mozambique is grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude, resulting in over 1 million affected individuals and extensive damage to infrastructure. Key areas like Cabo Delgado and Nampula have reported significant fatalities, injuries, and destruction of homes and facilities. The need for humanitarian assistance is paramount as the region addresses both immediate recovery and ongoing health crises, including cholera outbreaks related to the cyclones.
Mozambique is experiencing severe impacts from a series of tropical cyclones, notably Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024. It brought excessive rainfall exceeding 250 mm in just 24 hours and strong winds reaching 120 km/h. Cyclone Chido has affected approximately 453,971 individuals, resulting in 120 fatalities and damage to over 70,000 homes, 250 schools, and 52 health centres, with these figures likely to increase as assessments continue.
Following Cyclone Chido, Cabo Delgado Province faces significant devastation, particularly in districts such as Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure, where nearly 272,000 people have been impacted. The joint multi-agency assessment showcased total destruction in Mecufi, with nearly all homes leveled.
Cyclone Dikeledi struck on January 13, 2025, impacting 283,334 individuals, including 142,598 children, and resulted in extensive damage to 80,865 homes. The most severely affected areas included Mossuril and Ilha de Mozambique, with considerable rainfall and strong winds reported.
On March 10, 2025, Cyclone Jude made landfall, affecting 390,000 people and causing significant infrastructure damage, including the destruction of over 88,000 homes and numerous schools and health facilities. The cyclone hindered critical access to water and sanitation facilities, leading to aggravated cholera outbreaks in affected districts.
Mozambique’s response strategies included deploying the Anticipatory Action Framework to mobilize rapid humanitarian assistance. The assessments underscore the extensive damage and continuing humanitarian needs driven by these cyclones, prompting a Flash Appeal due to the overwhelming impact on vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, Mozambique is currently facing a humanitarian crisis resulting from multiple tropical cyclones, with catastrophic effects on the population and infrastructure. The immediate need for assistance is critical, as the impacted areas require urgent recovery support, especially in health and sanitation to mitigate the cholera outbreaks exacerbated by these natural disasters. Ongoing assessments highlight the pressing need for coordinated disaster response efforts to address the extensive humanitarian challenges ahead.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
