Cyclone Chido has severely impacted northern Mozambique, affecting around 90,000 children and displacing thousands. The storm caused significant destruction, with over 35,000 homes damaged and extensive effects on education and healthcare infrastructure. Despite the challenges, UN agencies are mobilizing humanitarian aid and responses to alleviate the crisis and support those affected in the region.
Tropical Cyclone Chido unleashed devastating effects on northern Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado province, where approximately 90,000 children were severely impacted. The cyclone struck over the weekend, resulting in torrential rains and fierce winds that damaged or destroyed over 35,000 homes and displaced countless families. The UNICEF has reported that more than 174,000 individuals have been affected by the disaster overall, with numbers expected to rise as assessments are ongoing.
The destruction extends beyond residential areas, with approximately 186,000 classrooms lost and 20 healthcare facilities damaged. City infrastructure, particularly in proximity to Pemba, experienced significant devastation. Adverse climatic effects are exacerbating the situation, as Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Representative in Mozambique, stated that, ‘Mozambique is considered one of the most affected countries in the world by climate change.’
Cabo Delgado has been marred by over seven years of conflict, causing displacement for more than 1.3 million individuals, predominantly women and children. The cyclone has intensified their struggles, eroding the small progress made in rebuilding their lives. Additionally, the cyclone’s impact extended to Nampula and Niassa provinces, hampering access to electricity for over 25,000 families and compromising water facilities, in a region already grappling with a cholera outbreak.
In response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis, various UN agencies, alongside local partners, are mobilizing resources to address immediate needs. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has already provided essential relief to more than 2,600 individuals in Pemba, offering supplies including blankets, sleeping mats, and emergency shelter materials. Preliminary assessments suggest that about 190,000 people urgently require humanitarian assistance as the full extent of the cyclone’s damage in rural areas remains unclear.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has assured that teams in the region are working diligently to deliver emergency aid, with the United Nations standing ready to offer further assistance as required. Despite the challenges posed by limited supplies, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated $4 million to Mozambique for the early humanitarian response, as nearly 3.3 million individuals are projected to face critical levels of food insecurity in 2024.
Cyclone Chido, which recently impacted Mozambique, highlights the intersection of climate change and humanitarian emergencies in the region. Mozambique is recognized as one of the nations most vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, facing a multitude of challenges ranging from conflicts to extreme weather events. The destruction wrought by Cyclone Chido has compounded existing vulnerabilities, particularly for children and families who are struggling to recover from years of conflict and instability. Continued humanitarian efforts are vital in addressing immediate needs and planning for longer-term recovery and resilience in the face of ongoing climate threats.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted substantial hardship on northern Mozambique, particularly affecting children and vulnerable families. With extensive damage to homes, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, the crisis calls for urgent humanitarian intervention. Efforts are underway by UNICEF and other UN agencies to provide relief and support to those affected, underscoring the critical need for ongoing assistance in a region facing the compounded challenges of climate change, conflict, and food insecurity.
Original Source: news.un.org
