Mozambique Faces Devastation from Tropical Cyclone Chido: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

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Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, resulting in over 174,000 individuals impacted, with significant devastation reported in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. With 34 deaths and thousands of homes destroyed, urgent humanitarian assistance and resource mobilization are crucial for recovery efforts.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, unleashing heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm in a 24-hour period, accompanied by winds reaching 120 km/h. The cyclone progressed to Malawi on December 16 and is anticipated to dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17. The provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa have been significantly affected, resulting in at least 174,000 individuals reported as impacted. The Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated $4 million to support initial humanitarian responses, a critical need amid ongoing assessments of damages that indicate a rising toll.

Preliminary reports from the National Institute for Natural Disaster (INGD) reveal severe devastation with 34 confirmed fatalities and over 319 individuals injured, alongside the destruction or damage of more than 35,000 homes and critical infrastructure including schools, health facilities, and energy poles. Initial data suggest that Cabo Delgado’s Mecufi and Chiure districts, particularly, have suffered extensive damage, with entire neighborhoods left in ruins. Meanwhile, the joint multi-agency assessment highlights pressing protection concerns, especially regarding vulnerable populations, necessitating urgent action to establish safety and support frameworks.

In Cabo Delgado Province, communities have faced substantial challenges due to infrastructure collapse. For instance, in Chiure, around 60% of homes experienced roof loss, leaving families in dire need of urgent water supplies and shelter. The healthcare system has been critically impaired, with medical personnel forced to operate under extremely poor conditions, compounding the existing medical needs resulting from injuries sustained during the cyclone.

Meanwhile, assessments in Nampula Province indicate that the cyclone has impacted approximately 46,000 individuals, leading to over 9,000 homes being wholly or partially destroyed. The threat of a cholera outbreak exacerbates the situation, particularly in Memba and Erati districts, further complicating health management efforts. Meanwhile, Niassa Province shows initial impacts involving 425 affected individuals and ongoing rainfall, with assessments indicating the need for immediate humanitarian assistance.

Overall, the ramifications of Tropical Cyclone Chido pose significant health and safety concerns, necessitating ongoing support and resources for recovery and rehabilitation efforts across the affected regions of Mozambique.

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, bringing catastrophic weather conditions, including heavy rainfalls and strong winds. The cyclone’s path extended to neighboring Malawi, with reports indicating severe impacts in several provinces, particularly Cabo Delgado and Nampula. The initial humanitarian efforts have encountered limitations due to shortages in essential supplies and infrastructure damage, hence necessitating significant international assistance. Current assessments continue to update the scope of damage, which impacts thousands of families and public services.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted extensive damage across Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. The disaster has resulted in significant loss of life, severe injuries, and widespread destruction of property and infrastructure. Urgent intervention is required to address the immediate needs of affected communities, including shelter, healthcare, and infrastructure rebuilding. The international community’s support will be vital in managing the humanitarian response and facilitating recovery efforts.

Original Source: www.unocha.org

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