Mozambique Faces Humanitarian Crisis Following Tropical Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2023, bringing catastrophic winds and heavy rainfall. Estimates suggest up to 2.5 million people are affected, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces. Damage is expected to be severe, with risks of flooding and landslides. The Mozambique Red Cross Society is mobilizing a rapid response to assist affected populations.

Mozambique is facing a significant humanitarian crisis following Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall in the early hours of December 15. The cyclone struck the Cabo Delgado Province near Pemba, exhibiting devastating winds of up to 200 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h. Rainfall was predicted to exceed 250 mm within 24 hours, affecting not only Cabo Delgado but also areas in Nampula Province, emphasizing the severity and widespread impact of the cyclone. With initial assessments indicating that up to 2.5 million individuals may be affected, damage from high winds and torrential rain is anticipated to be extensive, particularly in districts near the cyclone’s trajectory.

Reports indicate that essential services such as mobile networks have been disrupted in Pemba, although some regions still retain electrical power. The primary risks include flooding and landslides triggered by the excessive rainfall; coastal areas are also vulnerable to storm surges.

Currently, the most severely impacted regions encompass various districts in Cabo Delgado, which alone could be home to approximately 1.5 million individuals. In Nampula Province, about 730,000 residents may be affected, while Niassa Province could see repercussions for around 215,000 people. This situation necessitates immediate response measures to mitigate the impending crisis as further evaluations are underway to determine precise needs. The Mozambique Red Cross Society (CVM) has initiated a DREF application to facilitate rapid response efforts in the hardest-hit areas, aiming to ensure timely assistance to those in need.

Tropical Cyclones pose a seasonal threat to coastal communities in Mozambique, often resulting in severe humanitarian crises due to their destructive nature. Cyclone Chido, categorized as a very intense cyclone, is the latest in a series of natural disasters affecting the region, characterized by high winds, torrential rain, and the potential for flooding. The Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces are particularly susceptible, previously experiencing significant damage from such weather phenomena. This cyclone underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Mozambique in disaster preparedness and response, especially considering the impact on infrastructure, livelihoods, and the local population.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a pressing humanitarian challenge for Mozambique, with potential impacts stretching across millions of individuals. The extensive damage anticipated from the storm, compounded by predicted flooding and infrastructure collapse, highlights the urgency of response efforts by local authorities and humanitarian organizations. As the situation develops, it is essential to monitor further assessments to aid in timely and effective recovery efforts.

Original Source: reliefweb.int