Tropical Cyclone Chido: Emergency Response and Preparedness in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2024, in Cabo Delgado province, risking about 2 million people. Emergency measures include the distribution of food assistance to affected families and ongoing assessments in high-risk areas. Early warning and evacuation procedures have been activated, reaching over 400,000 individuals prior to the cyclone’s impact.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the district of Mecufi, Cabo Delgado province, affecting approximately 2 million individuals. Among these, 627,000 people are categorized as being at high risk, while an additional 1.4 million are considered at moderate risk. The cyclone poses threats to various infrastructures, including river basins, roads, power electricity poles, and health facilities, warranting immediate response efforts. Areas at greatest risk encompass Mecufi, Chiure, Metuge, Pemba, Namuno, Montepuez, and Ancuabe in Cabo Delgado, as well as Memba, Nacaroa, and Erati in Nampula province.

In preparation for the cyclone, early warning messages and evacuation instructions were effectively distributed starting on December 8 in Nampula and December 12 in Pemba, reaching over 400,000 individuals across the impacted regions. This initiative was part of activating the Anticipatory Action Plan designed to mitigate the cyclone’s impacts. In response to immediate needs, the World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered emergency food assistance within 24 hours to approximately 500 families displaced by the cyclone in temporary accommodation centers in Pemba. Additionally, support was provided in Mogincual, Nampula, where food was distributed under the activation framework by the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) with assistance from WFP.

To further assess the situation, multi-sectoral evaluations are scheduled for Mecufi and Chiure districts in Cabo Delgado, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and support as recovery efforts progress.

The report on Tropical Cyclone Chido outlines the current humanitarian crisis facing Mozambique. Given the country’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones, preparedness and responsive measures are paramount in minimizing the adverse effects on communities. Tropical Cyclone Chido’s recent landfall emphasizes the necessity for coordinated efforts among governmental agencies, humanitarian organizations, and local communities. Monitoring and immediate action are crucial in mitigating risks associated with severe weather events, especially in regions like Cabo Delgado and Nampula that are frequently affected by such disasters.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has created significant challenges for approximately 2 million individuals in Mozambique, especially in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Effective early warning systems and rapid response actions, including food assistance, are critical in addressing the immediate needs of those affected. Continuous assessment and collaboration among humanitarian entities will be essential in supporting the recovery process and ensuring community resilience against future disasters.

Original Source: reliefweb.int