Cyclone Chido has impacted approximately 329,510 individuals in Mozambique, causing significant destruction to homes and infrastructure in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. Over 39,000 homes were destroyed, and healthcare services disrupted, increasing vulnerability amid the rainy season. Ongoing humanitarian efforts struggle with limited resources but aim to support affected communities in addressing essential needs.
The impact of Cyclone Chido continues to escalate, with humanitarian assessments revealing an increasing number of individuals affected across the regions of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. Recent reports indicate that approximately 65,282 families, totaling about 329,510 individuals, have faced severe consequences from the cyclone’s destructive winds and heavy rainfall. In Cabo Delgado alone, around 217,000 people are affected, intensifying the challenges for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities already grappling with conflict-related vulnerabilities.
The cyclone has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with 39,133 homes completely destroyed and 13,343 sustaining damage, leaving many families without adequate shelter or essential resources. This situation poses significant protection risks, particularly as the rainy season exacerbates conditions. Furthermore, 49 healthcare facilities have been damaged, disrupting medical services, while the destruction of water systems has left communities vulnerable to waterborne diseases, raising concerns over potential outbreaks.
Seeds previously distributed to assist local farming have also been lost, underscoring the urgent need to replenish these supplies to reduce dependency on external assistance. Humanitarian partners are mobilizing resources to address critical needs in areas such as shelter, food security, water, sanitation, and health services; however, challenges related to overstretched capacities and diminishing stockpiles impede the timely scale-up of responses.
The Mozambique Humanitarian Country Team, alongside development partners, is actively working to provide necessary support to the government, focusing on meeting the priority needs of those affected by Cyclone Chido. Despite the challenges, concerted efforts are underway to manage the humanitarian crisis and provide essential services to displaced populations.
In December 2024, Mozambique was severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which led to extensive damage and loss across several provinces. The cyclone’s high winds and torrential rains particularly affected Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The escalating humanitarian crisis has prompted response teams to mobilize resources and assess the needs of those affected. The situation remains critical, with thousands of families displaced and facing basic shortages due to destroyed infrastructure and agricultural losses. The humanitarian effort focuses on immediate needs, although logistical challenges hinder the response.
Cyclone Chido has had a profound and detrimental impact on Mozambique, affecting over 329,000 individuals across key provinces. Despite ongoing humanitarian efforts to address shelter, health, water, and food needs, logistical challenges threaten the ability to provide timely assistance. The continued focus on resource mobilization and urgent support is vital to alleviate the suffering of affected communities as they navigate the implications of the cyclone and the onset of the rainy season.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
