Mozambique: Update on Humanitarian Crisis Post Cyclone Chido
Mozambique faces a humanitarian crisis following Cyclone Chido, with nearly 454,000 individuals affected. Currently, 77,000 individuals have received assistance, while a US$88 million flash appeal aims to support 320,000 affected persons. Extensive destruction includes 70,400 homes and 52 health units, with significant agricultural losses reported.
As Mozambique continues to grapple with the aftermath of Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido, the humanitarian situation remains dire. The number of individuals affected has significantly increased since the cyclone made landfall, with ongoing assessments expected to reveal even more cases. Currently, at least 77,000 people have received various forms of assistance within the first twelve days following the cyclone’s devastating impact, made possible through the reallocation of resources originally designated for conflict response.
In a concerted effort to aid the recovery, the humanitarian community in Mozambique has initiated a flash appeal aimed at raising US$88 million. This fund will support immediate humanitarian operations to assist 320,000 individuals, including 156,000 women and girls, who have been directly impacted by the cyclone. The response from both the government and humanitarian agencies underscores the urgent need to address the escalating crisis.
According to the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD), as of December 23, 2024, approximately 453,971 people, or 90,513 families, are reported to be affected across multiple provinces, including Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, Tete, Manica, and Sofala. Notably, Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces alone comprise 98 percent of the total affected population, highlighting the severe scope of the disaster. The destruction of infrastructure has been extensive, with around 70,400 homes reported destroyed and 32,200 damaged, compounded by significant impairments to healthcare services as 52 health units have also been damaged.
The World Food Programme’s Advanced Disaster Analysis has indicated that over 456,000 hectares of land were flooded, including 28,000 hectares of cropland, drastically affecting agricultural production and threatening food security. The economic ramifications for those reliant on agriculture are profound, as livelihoods are severely undermined by the cyclone’s impacts, necessitating immediate and sustained humanitarian responses to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The occurrence of Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido has brought forth a humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement. Cyclones frequently impact this region due to its geographical location and climatic conditions, leading to significant vulnerabilities among its population. The government, in collaboration with various humanitarian organizations, is mobilizing resources as they assess the full extent of the cyclone’s damage. The importance of rapid response and recovery operations cannot be overstated, particularly in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, including women and children.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic damage across several provinces in Mozambique, necessitating urgent humanitarian assistance. With the number of affected individuals continuing to rise, coordinated efforts must be undertaken to ensure adequate support is provided to the communities impacted. The flash appeal for funds is a critical step toward scaling up response efforts and addressing the immediate needs of those affected by this natural disaster.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
