Cyclone Chido Devastates Mozambique, Affecting Over 90,000 Children

Cyclone Chido struck Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique on December 17, 2024, impacting over 90,000 children and destroying 35,000 homes. The cyclone also dismantled major infrastructure, including classrooms and health facilities, amidst ongoing humanitarian crises related to conflict and disease in the region. Immediate response efforts by UNICEF and partners are critical to addressing the needs for recovery and support.

Cyclone Chido has caused widespread destruction in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique, affecting over 90,000 children and damaging more than 35,000 homes following its landfall on December 17, 2024. This intense storm has also resulted in the destruction of at least 186 classrooms and significant damage to health facilities. Considering the region’s ongoing struggles with conflict, drought, and diseases, UNICEF has emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian intervention amidst increasing climate-related challenges in Mozambique. The cyclone’s impact is compounded by ongoing internal displacement, with 1.3 million people already affected by prolonged violence in Cabo Delgado. Additionally, provinces like Nampula and Niassa are grappling with widespread power outages and potential outbreaks of cholera, further threatening the health and safety of these communities. UNICEF, alongside various partners, is actively mobilizing resources to address these emergencies, with immediate funding needs reaching US$10 million to provide essential support to those impacted.

The context of Cyclone Chido’s impact in Mozambique lies within the framework of increasing climate change challenges faced by the region. Mozambique is recognized as one of the countries most affected by climate change, which has resulted in a series of life-threatening emergencies for children due to concurrent crises such as conflict, droughts, and disease outbreaks. Cabo Delgado province, in particular, has experienced years of conflict, leading to significant internal displacement, particularly among women and children. The cyclone’s aftermath adds a layer of complexity to an already dire humanitarian landscape, thereby necessitating an urgent and coordinated response.

In summary, Cyclone Chido’s devastation in Mozambique underscores the severe impact of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change on vulnerable populations. With over 90,000 children affected and essential infrastructure severely damaged, the situation calls for immediate humanitarian assistance and action from global partners. UNICEF’s commitment to addressing these emergencies demonstrates the urgent need for flexible funding and strategic responses to safeguard the well-being of those most affected by the calamity.

Original Source: reliefweb.int