Mozambique Faces Humanitarian Crisis Due to Recent Tropical Cyclones
Mozambique is severely impacted by Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, affecting over 700,000 individuals. Chido caused 120 fatalities and widespread infrastructure destruction as of December 24. Dikeledi followed in January 2025, affecting over 280,000 people, with considerable damage to housing and community services, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces.
Mozambique is currently facing severe challenges due to the impacts of Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. Cyclone Chido struck on December 15, 2024, causing heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm and winds of 120 km/h. As a result, 453,971 individuals were affected, with at least 120 fatalities reported and extensive damage to infrastructure, including over 70,000 houses and numerous educational and health facilities.
The devastation in Cabo Delgado Province is particularly alarming, with an estimated 272,000 people impacted across multiple districts. The joint multi-agency assessment revealed overwhelming damage, with nearly total home destruction in Mecufi and parts of Nangolo. The continuing assessments indicate the figures may rise as response efforts progress.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which made landfall on January 13, 2025, brought similar destructive conditions. Its highest recorded precipitation was 247mm in Mossuril, with winds reaching 150 km/h. As of January 27, an additional 283,334 individuals were affected, including significant numbers of children and people with disabilities. The cyclone damaged over 80,000 houses and numerous health and educational facilities.
The most affected districts from Dikeledi include Mossuril and Ilha de Mozambique, where thousands of individuals remain vulnerable due to housing and infrastructure losses. The situation demands urgent attention and coordinated humanitarian response efforts to support the affected communities.
In conclusion, both Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi have caused extensive damage and severe humanitarian needs in Mozambique. Ongoing assessments will provide a clearer picture of the long-term requirements for recovery and rebuilding efforts. Immediate support from humanitarian agencies is critical to address the needs of the affected population, restore basic services, and facilitate recovery initiatives.
In summary, the impacts of Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi in Mozambique have resulted in significant humanitarian crises. With hundreds of thousands affected and extensive damage to vital infrastructure, coordinated and urgent humanitarian assistance is essential. The assessments are still ongoing, and the long-term recovery will require dedicated support from both local and international aid organizations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
