Cyclone Chido Causes Catastrophic Damage in Northern Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2024, causing widespread destruction in northern Mozambique, affecting 174,000 people, leading to 34 deaths and 319 injuries. Over 35,000 homes and critical infrastructure were damaged, aggravating pre-existing vulnerabilities amid conflict and a cholera outbreak. Urgent action is required to support affected communities and restore food security.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the Mecufi district of Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, delivering catastrophic winds reaching 120 km/h and unprecedented rainfall surpassing 250 mm within a single day. This resulted in extensive destruction across northern Mozambique, particularly impacting the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, while Tete and northern Zambézia experienced secondary impacts from the cyclone’s aftermath.

As of December 17, the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction reported that approximately 174,000 individuals have been affected, with 34 confirmed fatalities and 319 people sustaining injuries. The cyclone has irreparably damaged over 35,000 homes and critical infrastructures, including schools, health facilities, and water systems. This calamity has worsened existing vulnerabilities within the affected areas, especially in Cabo Delgado, which is concurrently dealing with conflict-related displacement and a cholera outbreak.

The cyclone’s devastation has been nearly total in the Mecufi and Chiure districts, where every home has been affected and health services have been rendered non-functional. The agricultural losses are significant, with thousands of hectares of crops including maize, beans, sesame, and cassava lost, leaving communities with inadequate food supplies and little capacity for immediate recovery. In Nampula province’s Memba and Erati districts, over 3,600 families have been impacted, experiencing considerable damage to fishing-related assets and livelihoods.

The destruction of water and sanitation facilities has heightened the risk of waterborne diseases, especially cholera, while disrupted telecommunications and power networks further impede humanitarian efforts. With over 80 percent of the Mozambican population dependent on agriculture for sustenance and income, urgent intervention is paramount to assist affected households in rebuilding their lives and restoring access to nutritious food.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is a devastating weather event that struck northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024. This cyclone has unleashed severe weather conditions, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall that has led to significant loss of life and displacement of communities. The region was already vulnerable due to ongoing conflicts and public health challenges, such as a cholera outbreak, which have been exacerbated by the cyclone’s impact. The National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction plays a critical role in monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts for those affected.

The impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Mozambique has been catastrophic, with significant loss of life, destruction of homes, and critical infrastructure. The vastly impaired agricultural sector poses an immediate threat to food security, exacerbating an already vulnerable situation for many communities. Urgent humanitarian assistance is necessary to mitigate health risks, restore livelihoods, and support the affected households in recovering from this disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int