Flash Update on Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing heavy rain and strong winds, leaving over 174,000 people affected. Key provinces impacted include Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with urgent needs for food, water, and medical supplies reported. Challenges in supply response and ongoing assessments are underway, with $4 million allocated for humanitarian efforts.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2024, in Mozambique, resulting in heavy rainfall of up to 250 mm within 24 hours and winds reaching 120 km/h. The cyclone has since impacted provinces including Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, with officials reporting at least 174,000 people affected. The humanitarian response is hindered by limited supplies, prompting an allocation of $4 million in support from the Emergency Relief Coordinator. As assessments continue, damages reported include over 35,000 homes impacted, with the crisis developing further in areas like Tete and northern Manica as Chido moves toward Zimbabwe.

In Cabo Delgado, particularly in districts such as Mecufi and Chiure, significant damages have been reported, with entire communities affected and an urgent need for water, food, and medical supplies. The local health infrastructure is largely compromised, and volunteers are essential in providing support to vulnerable groups. A comprehensive response strategy is needed to address protection concerns, especially for women and children in the wake of the storm.

In Nampula Province, approximately 46,000 people were affected, with dire needs for food, agricultural inputs, and infrastructure repairs. Limited communication due to infrastructure damage has further complicated aid efforts. Meanwhile, Niassa Province reported 425 affected individuals, with systemic health concerns emerging due to ongoing rains. Rescue and recovery efforts focusing on registration, medication, and shelter are emphasized as critical to counter the extensive damages sustained by local communities.

The landfall of Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a significant meteorological event, impacting multiple provinces in Mozambique with severe consequences for the local population. The cyclone’s trajectory through Mozambique and its subsequent movement into Malawi and Zimbabwe further complicates humanitarian efforts. Such natural disasters often exacerbate existing vulnerabilities among affected communities, significant in areas with limited resources and pre-existing challenges regarding infrastructure and health services. His particular cyclone has highlighted the urgent need for coordinated international support, and effective emergency response protocols, as well as community resilience measures in facing natural calamities. The ongoing situation underscores the challenges in disaster management and the importance of timely humanitarian assistance to mitigate loss of life and suffering.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has wrought extensive damage across Mozambique, affecting over 174,000 individuals and resulting in significant destruction of infrastructure and housing. The response measures must focus on immediate humanitarian needs, particularly in the most affected regions such as Cabo Delgado and Nampula, where access to basic necessities remains critical. Continued assessments and coordinated action are essential for restoring affected communities and enhancing their resilience to future disasters.

Original Source: reliefweb.int