Impact of Tropical Cyclones on Mozambique: A Humanitarian Crisis Overview
Mozambique is currently facing significant humanitarian challenges following the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude. Together, these storms have affected hundreds of thousands, resulting in casualties, extensive infrastructural damage, and ongoing health crises, particularly cholera outbreaks. Emergency responses are vital to assist affected communities and support recovery efforts.
The communities in Mozambique are grappling with the catastrophic effects of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024. The cyclone brought excessive rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours and winds reaching 120 km/h. After impacting Mozambique, Chido moved into Malawi and eventually dissipated in Zimbabwe by December 17. The ramifications have affected an estimated 453,971 individuals, resulting in 120 fatalities, 868 injuries, and destruction of infrastructure across multiple sectors.
As of December 24, 2024, there is an overwhelming scale of destruction with over 70,000 homes, 250 schools, and 52 health centers reported damaged or destroyed. These numbers are expected to escalate as assessments continue. The need for emergency assistance has surpassed the threshold for a Flash Appeal, exacerbated by widespread devastation and challenges in infrastructure connectivity that impede response efforts.
Cabo Delgado Province has been particularly hard hit, with districts such as Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure suffering significant damage. The assessment conducted by a joint mission on December 18 revealed near-total destruction in Mecufi and Nangolo, highlighting the dire circumstances the affected communities face.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Mozambique’s Nampula Province on January 13, 2025, bringing severe weather conditions, including wind speeds of 150 km/h and significant rainfall. By January 27, approximately 283,334 individuals were reported affected, representing diverse demographic segments, including children and individuals with disabilities. The cyclone severely damaged many homes, health facilities, and educational institutions, with districts like Mossuril and Ilha de Mozambique being significantly impacted.
Most recently, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Nampula Province on March 10, 2025, causing further devastation with sustained winds of 120 km/h. As a precautionary measure, rapid response initiatives were activated under the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework, facilitating swift assistance. However, the cyclone’s impact exacerbated existing health crises, including a cholera outbreak declared in several districts.
By March 19, the total number of affected individuals rose to 390,000, with the destruction of more than 88,000 homes and extensive damage to health and educational infrastructure. Flooding has severely affected agricultural areas and vital services. Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessments conducted across seven districts have highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian support and recovery efforts, as numerous communities remain vulnerable and in dire need of assistance.
In summary, Mozambique faces critical challenges from multiple tropical cyclones that have wreaked havoc on its communities and infrastructure. The impacts of Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude have led to significant loss of life, widespread infrastructural damage, and exacerbated health crises. There is an urgent need for comprehensive humanitarian response interventions to address the immediate needs of the affected populations and to facilitate recovery efforts across the most severely impacted provinces.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
