The WFP has assisted 180,650 individuals affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique. They plan to continue support over the next three months but currently lack adequate funding for all at-risk families. An urgent need for $14 million has been identified to sustain food aid. Enhanced safety measures are in place due to civil unrest, and collaboration with other agencies ensures effective assistance delivery.
On January 10, the World Food Programme (WFP) concluded the first cycle of food distributions for families affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Cabo Delgado, assisting 180,650 individuals with rations sufficient for seven days. To sustain this effort, WFP plans to support vulnerable households over the next three months, although current funding will only allow assistance for 55,000 people. The organization urgently requires $14 million to maintain food assistance for cyclone-affected communities from January to March 2025.
In light of ongoing civil unrest in Mozambique, WFP has adopted enhanced safety protocols and is vigilantly monitoring the situation to ensure the secure delivery of aid. As co-lead of the Food Security Cluster (FSC), WFP is actively coordinating with FSC partners to prevent any gaps or redundancies in the relief efforts.
Following a temporary halt to operations in Cabo Delgado and Nampula on December 29 due to security incidents, WFP resumed food distributions on January 6 after a comprehensive security assessment. The week of January 6-10 saw an additional 65,000 individuals benefiting from emergency food assistance, bringing the total to 180,650 participants in the initial distribution phase.
The cyclone, which struck Mecufi district on December 15, caused significant infrastructure damage, making many areas only partially accessible. WFP is collaborating closely with partners to reach the most affected individuals. To respond promptly, WFP is utilizing existing food stocks from the northern crisis response located in Pemba and Nacala while seeking assistance from donor partners to replenish these supplies.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has been instrumental in providing food assistance to communities in Mozambique affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall in December 2024. Following the cyclone, significant challenges arose, including infrastructure damage and civil unrest that impacted the delivery of aid. With a pressing need for resources, WFP faces limitations in funding and has urgently appealed for financial support to continue its operations. Coordination with other organizations is crucial to ensure comprehensive assistance and avoid duplication of efforts in the affected areas.
In summary, the World Food Programme has been diligently working to provide food assistance to those affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido amidst numerous challenges. With a successful initial distribution already conducted and plans for further assistance, WFP urgently seeks additional funding to expand its reach. The safety of operations remains a priority, especially in light of ongoing civil unrest, as WFP continues to work with partners to address food insecurity effectively.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
