Red Cross Takes Action Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation in Mozambique
Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, devastating many areas and affecting over 622,000 individuals in Mozambique alone. The Red Cross has initiated an Emergency Appeal for 10 million Swiss francs to assist impacted populations and strengthen community preparedness for future storms, targeting 500,000 individuals through various disaster response measures.
The Red Cross has mobilized significant resources in response to Cyclone Chido, which recently struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, inflicting extensive damage across several nations including Madagascar, Comoros, Malawi, and Mayotte. Thousands of individuals have been displaced, and initial assessments indicate that nearly 622,000 people in Mozambique alone have been affected, with over 130,000 shelters destroyed or damaged. Affected individuals require immediate aid, including shelter, food, potable water, and health services.
Naemi Heita, the Head of the IFRC Country Cluster Delegation for Mozambique and Angola, emphasized the urgency of addressing these needs: “As assessments are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage, the emerging needs of affected people include shelter, food, potable water, and health services.”
In response to the disaster, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an Emergency Appeal aimed at raising 10 million Swiss francs. This funding will support 100,000 individuals across the impacted regions by providing integrated assistance, including cash distributions, shelter support, and healthcare services.
Moreover, the initiative aims to bolster community readiness for the ongoing cyclone season, targeting 500,000 individuals in vulnerable areas. Key measures involve enhancing early warning systems, pre-positioning supplies, and training community volunteers in disaster preparedness and response strategies. Red Cross teams have been actively engaged in rescue and support efforts in all affected countries, showcasing their commitment to alleviating suffering and rebuilding communities.
The South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season has commenced with Cyclone Chido, which has made a significant impact in December 2024. As tropical cyclones frequently affect this region, they pose grave threats to the local populations, resulting in loss of life, displacement, and damage to infrastructure. The situation is exacerbated by an expectation of an above-average cyclone season, demanding preparedness from relief organizations and local communities.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact in Mozambique and neighboring regions, necessitating immediate humanitarian intervention from the Red Cross and IFRC. The mobilization of resources and emergency appeals reflects a proactive approach to not only provide urgent relief but also to enhance future preparedness efforts against natural disasters affecting vulnerable communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
