Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing widespread devastation across the Indian Ocean region. Over 622,000 people are affected in Mozambique alone, with significant needs for shelter, food, and health services. The Red Cross has launched a 10 million Swiss franc Emergency Appeal to assist 100,000 individuals and enhance community preparedness for future storms, targeting half a million at-risk people.
On December 15, 2024, Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, marking the beginning of the South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season. The cyclone unleashed heavy rains and powerful winds across Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Malawi, and Mayotte, causing significant loss of life and extensive destruction of homes and infrastructure. Thousands have been displaced, and initial assessments indicate nearly 622,000 individuals are impacted in Mozambique alone. Amidst the ongoing assessments, it is evident that urgent needs for shelter, food, potable water, and health services are vital as communities grapple with the aftermath.
Naemi Heita, the Head of IFRC Country Cluster Delegation for Mozambique and Angola, stated, “As assessments are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage, the emerging needs of affected people include shelter, food, potable water, and health services, among others. We are concerned that these numbers could rise as emergency teams get access to areas cut off by flooding and destruction.”
Red Cross teams are actively involved in rescue and relief efforts in all affected areas. To address the wide-ranging impacts of Cyclone Chido, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an Emergency Appeal. This appeal seeks to raise 10 million Swiss francs to support 100,000 individuals across Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi. The plan encompasses providing integrated assistance including cash support, shelter, healthcare, and essential household items.
Additionally, as forecasts predict a prolonged cyclone season, the Emergency Appeal aims to fortify community preparedness for future storms by targeting 500,000 people in vulnerable regions. Key initiatives will involve enhancing early warning systems, pre-positioning supplies, and training volunteers to effectively respond to emergencies.
For further information, interested parties may contact [email protected]. In addition, various officials are available for interviews to elaborate on the situation and the Red Cross’s response efforts.
The urgent actions taken by the Red Cross are pivotal in alleviating the suffering of affected populations and ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle future weather-related disasters.
The tropical cyclone season in the South-West Indian Ocean officially commenced with the arrival of Cyclone Chido on December 15, 2024. This cyclone has had devastating effects on several countries, namely Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Malawi, and Mayotte, leading to severe effects on infrastructure, agriculture, and the lives of countless individuals. The destructive nature of this event underscores the need for immediate humanitarian assistance and preparedness for any subsequent storms, as climate conditions indicate a more active cyclone season than usual.
The impact of Cyclone Chido has created a humanitarian crisis in affected regions, with immediate needs for food, shelter, and medical services escalating. The Red Cross’s proactive response through an Emergency Appeal highlights the urgency of providing comprehensive aid and enhancing community resilience against future cyclones. The situation remains fluid, and assessment efforts will continue to update the response strategies accordingly.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
