Tropical Cyclone Chido: Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Mozambique Following Landfall
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on 15 December 2024, causing severe destruction in Cabo Delgado Province, which saw thousands of homes destroyed and significant infrastructure damage. Health services are critically compromised as medical facilities are overwhelmed, and community needs for water and accommodation remain unmet. Urgent assistance is required to support displaced individuals and rebuild the affected regions.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the Mecufi district of Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, on 15 December 2024, bringing severe weather conditions including heavy rainfall and strong winds. By 16 December, the cyclone had moved to Malawi and was predicted to dissipate in Zimbabwe on 17 December. Regions of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa experienced extensive damage, with Cabo Delgado being particularly hard hit.
In Cabo Delgado Province, the districts of Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba sustained the most destruction. Early assessments indicated the complete destruction of approximately 23,598 homes, while 149 schools, 598 classrooms, and 37 healthcare facilities were also affected. Challenges regarding electricity, water supply, and internet connectivity have emerged as major issues. Immediate actions are being taken to assess the aftermath; however, the situation remains critical and warrants urgent intervention.
Within Mecufi district, the damage was catastrophic, with nearly all homes damaged, leaving 400 families homeless and resulting in 50 injuries and 16 confirmed fatalities. Patients in need of treatment were transferred to facilities in Pemba, though healthcare services remain severely compromised due to infrastructural damage, forcing medical personnel to operate in suboptimal conditions. There are no designated accommodation centers for the displaced, and an urgent risk of health hazards exists due to spoiled medical supplies.
In Chiure district, significant infrastructure damage is reported, with 50% of homes losing roofs and a complete loss of housing in certain areas. Water access is critically low; specifically, in Megaruma, where water trucking is essential to support approximately 3,000 families. The Chiúre Rural Hospital operates at only 30% capacity, further complicating the healthcare crisis in the region. Although four accommodation centers are active, they lack adequate support and registration processes for the displaced individuals currently taking shelter.
Metuge district remains inaccessible except by all-terrain vehicles, with severe shelter destruction reported. The health center and schools in the area have been destroyed, exacerbating local healthcare deficiencies. In Pemba district, three accommodation centers were recognized, but limited capacity and registration hinder relief efforts for individuals displaced from vulnerable neighborhoods already affected by prior incidents.
Moreover, areas within Pemba City face an imminent risk of urban flooding during the ongoing rainy season, particularly impacting the neighborhoods of Bairro Cariaco, Alto Chuiba, Eduardo Mondlane, Natite, Ingonane, and Paquetequete. Each of these districts demands immediate attention and comprehensive recovery strategies to mitigate the effects of this destructive cyclone.
On 15 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, reported to have brought torrential rains exceeding 250mm within a 24-hour period and wind speeds reaching up to 180 km/h. The cyclone’s rapid movement and subsequent dissipation over Malawi and Zimbabwe highlighted the urgent need for efficient disaster response in the affected regions. Notably, Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces were severely impacted, struggling with infrastructure collapse, healthcare challenges, and the displacement of vulnerable populations as a result of the calamity.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on northern Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado Province. The extensive destruction of homes, schools, and healthcare facilities underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and infrastructure rebuilding. Immediate action is necessary to provide water, healthcare, and support to the displaced populations, ensuring their safety and recovery in the aftermath of this disaster.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
