Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, bringing severe rain and wind, affecting over 174,000 individuals, resulting in significant fatalities and injuries. The cyclone impacted Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces severely, with urgent needs identified in healthcare, shelter, and food. Response efforts are challenged by a lack of supplies, with the Emergency Relief Coordinator allocating US$4 million for humanitarian support.
On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, resulting in substantial devastation through heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours and wind speeds reaching 120 km/h. Following its landfall, the cyclone progressed into Malawi on December 16, subsequently entering Tete province, with predictions indicating it would dissipate near Zimbabwe on December 17. The provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa sustained the most severe impacts, while Tete and northern Manica provinces were affected to a lesser degree.
Initial reports estimate that at least 174,000 individuals have been affected by the storm, with numbers expected to rise as further assessments are conducted. Tragically, 34 fatalities and 319 injuries have been confirmed, alongside significant structural damage, including the complete or partial destruction of over 35,000 homes, nine schools, ten healthcare facilities, and three power poles. The lack of available supplies poses a notable challenge to the response efforts. In a proactive measure, the Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated US$4 million to facilitate the early humanitarian response in the region.
The impact on various districts is particularly severe. In Mecufi, for instance, nearly all homes have been damaged, leaving medical services in disarray as professionals are forced to operate under poor conditions. The health system is in critical need of resources, and immediate assistance is essential for delivering care. The situation is exacerbated in Chiure, where 60% of houses are roofless, and access to potable water remains a challenge for thousands of families. Moreover, there is an urgent necessity for medical supplies and food across multiple affected areas.
In Nampula province, the affected population stands at approximately 46,000, with reports indicating more than 9,000 homes have been impacted, alongside concerns about a potential cholera outbreak due to heavy rains. Local authorities and humanitarian partners are mobilizing support, with an emphasis on restoring communication links and conducting necessary road repairs for efficient aid distribution.
The reports from Niassa indicate that 425 individuals were affected, with damage to educational facilities and health centers noted. The continued rainfall is anticipated to prolong the challenges faced by the population. As the community begins to recover, focused efforts on providing essential services, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, will be critical in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the cyclone.
Mozambique often faces seasonal cyclones, which can lead to significant humanitarian crises due to inadequate infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Tropical Cyclone Chido represents one of the latest crises, highlighting the vulnerabilities within the region. The event serves to underscore the necessity of immediate aid and the restoration of essential services, particularly in areas that frequently encounter such natural disasters. The impact is magnified by challenges like poor communication networks and limited access to remote areas, exacerbating the humanitarian situation and essential service delivery.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused extensive damage in Mozambique, with significant human and structural losses reported. The government’s immediate response, alongside international assistance, is crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the affected populations. Continued assessment and support will be vital in ensuring the restoration of communities and the provision of essential services moving forward.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
