Devastation in Mozambique: The Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique, impacting 181,554 people, with women and children constituting 75% of those affected. The storm resulted in the destruction of over 36,000 homes and severely disrupted vital infrastructure. Communities were already vulnerable due to years of conflict, making the cyclone’s impact even more devastating.

Tropical Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in northern Mozambique over the weekend, leading to significant destruction across the Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The cyclone, marked by severe winds and torrential rains, has left an estimated 181,554 individuals affected, a staggering 75% of whom are women and children. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reports that over 36,000 homes were either fully or partially destroyed, with some villages suffering complete devastation. The inclement weather compounded the existing vulnerabilities of communities already hosting around 300,000 displaced persons due to ongoing conflicts.

The aftermath of the cyclone has severely disrupted infrastructures such as roads and communication networks, critically hindering relief initiatives. Many of the affected persons have faced renewed hardships, as Cyclone Chido has obliterated what little they had managed to rebuild following years of conflict and economic downturn. The scale of displacement and destruction further underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region as the full impact of the cyclone continues to unfold.

The cyclone’s landfall coincided with a compelling backdrop of humanitarian crisis exacerbated by persistent conflict and economic instability. In the regions of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, many communities were already reeling from previous adversities, including years of armed conflict that have resulted in vast numbers of forcibly displaced persons. The National Institute for Disaster Management noted that prior to the cyclone, about 300,000 people had already been displaced. In this context, the cyclone’s impact has intensified the existing vulnerabilities of the affected populations, complicating efforts to provide timely and effective humanitarian relief.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation in northern Mozambique, impacting over 181,000 individuals, particularly women and children. The loss of homes and critical infrastructure amid existing vulnerabilities has created an urgent need for humanitarian support and relief efforts in the affected areas. The situation calls for a coordinated response to address both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts to support the displaced communities.

Original Source: reliefweb.int