Impact and Response to Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, affecting over 380,000 individuals. The cyclone caused extensive damage to homes, schools, and health facilities. WFP provided immediate food assistance to impacted families, with ongoing humanitarian efforts continuing across various affected regions. Access challenges remain, particularly in Mecufi district, while recovery operations are underway.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the district of Mecufi in Cabo Delgado province, causing extensive damage across northern Mozambique. With initial reports indicating over 380,000 affected individuals in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, the cyclone resulted in significant infrastructure destruction, including 61,500 homes, 52 health facilities, and 250 educational institutions. The governmental health department reported 76 fatalities and approximately 768 injuries, numbers which are anticipated to rise as further evaluations are conducted.

Immediate humanitarian responses were initiated, with the World Food Programme (WFP) delivering emergency food assistance to 500 families in Pemba within 24 hours of the cyclone’s landfall. Distribution efforts extended to Mecufi, commencing on December 17, as part of the Joint Response Programme, which involved organizations such as IOM and UNICEF. To date, WFP has assisted 23,000 individuals in several districts, while temporary food distribution operations in Nampula have also begun.

Persistent challenges remain regarding access to the hardest-hit areas, especially in Mecufi, where roads have been obstructed, complicating relief efforts. Though Pemba airport was momentarily closed following the cyclone, it reopened on December 16, allowing for the resumption of UN Humanitarian Air Service operations by December 18. This service is crucial in providing ongoing assistance to the affected populations and delivering aid effectively.

Despite sustaining moderate damage itself, the WFP office in Pemba remains operational, although local infrastructure such as roads and telecommunications is still recovering from the cyclone’s impact. The situation is evolving, emphasizing the need for continued support and assessment of the disaster’s long-term consequences.

Tropical Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, bringing with it destructive winds and heavy rainfall that have severely affected numerous communities. Cabo Delgado province, particularly the district of Mecufi, has been identified as one of the most impacted areas, together with surrounding districts in Nampula. The aftermath of the cyclone has prompted a coordinated humanitarian response aimed at addressing immediate food security needs and stabilizing the affected population’s living conditions.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in significant human and infrastructural losses across northern Mozambique, impacting hundreds of thousands. Emergency responses by WFP and collaborative efforts by various humanitarian organizations are crucial for mitigating the ramifications of this disaster. Continued assessments and support are essential to ensure the recovery and resilience of affected communities in the face of such severe climatic events.

Original Source: reliefweb.int