Cyclone Chido has affected over 453,000 people in Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. The destruction includes more than 70,000 homes and significant agricultural land, posing severe food security risks. The humanitarian response includes a US$88 million appeal for aid to help 320,000 individuals, particularly women and girls, affected by the cyclone.
As of December 27, 2024, the impact of Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has intensified, with the number of affected individuals continuing to escalate as assessments advance across various regions. Recent reports indicate that approximately 453,971 people, representing about 90,513 families, are directly impacted, primarily in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, which together account for 98 percent of the affected population. Infrastructure damage has been catastrophic, with an estimated 70,400 homes completely destroyed and 32,200 partially damaged. Moreover, 52 health facilities have suffered damage, severely limiting access to essential medical care during this critical time.
Humanitarian efforts are underway, with at least 77,000 individuals having received assistance in the first twelve days following the cyclone. The humanitarian community has initiated a flash appeal, aiming to raise US$88 million to scale up aid efforts to address the urgent needs of approximately 320,000 people affected by the cyclone. This appeal specifically targets support for 156,000 women and girls among those impacted.
The World Food Programme’s analysis has revealed that over 456,000 hectares of land, including 28,000 hectares of agricultural land, have been flooded, resulting in significant agricultural losses. This situation poses a severe threat to food security and the livelihoods of communities in the affected areas.
Cyclone Chido has struck Mozambique, leading to widespread devastation and humanitarian crises across several provinces. As the country deals with the aftermath of the cyclone, ongoing assessments have indicated a rising number of affected residents, escalating infrastructure damage, and severe impacts on agricultural production. The humanitarian community’s recent response underscores the urgency of addressing the immediate needs of those impacted, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children who face heightened risks in disaster situations.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on Mozambique, affecting nearly half a million people and destroying significant infrastructure. Ongoing humanitarian efforts aim to address the immediate needs of the affected population, with a focus on securing substantial funding to support recovery and resilience initiatives. The situation remains critical, necessitating swift action and collaboration among governmental and humanitarian organizations to mitigate the cyclone’s effects and support recovery efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
