Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impact and Humanitarian Response Update

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing 45 deaths and affecting 184,000 individuals primarily in Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Malawi reported 13 deaths among 45,000 affected. Humanitarian responses are underway, focusing on essential supplies for recovery amidst significant infrastructure damage.

As of December 18, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in Mozambique, resulting in 45 fatalities and affecting approximately 184,000 residents, particularly in the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. The cyclone made landfall on December 15, with winds reaching 260 km/h and heavy rainfall of approximately 250 mm exacerbating the situation. Thousands of homes, health facilities, and schools have suffered extensive damage.

In Malawi, the cyclone’s impact has extended to 45,000 residents, with 13 confirmed deaths. The situation in Mayotte is equally critical, where reports indicate at least 22 deaths and over 1,300 injuries. Humanitarian agencies are actively involved in assessments and the distribution of essential supplies to the hardest-hit areas to aid recovery efforts.

The National Institute for Natural Disaster (INGD) reported that Cabo Delgado was the province most affected, with 128,000 people impacted and 25,000 homes destroyed or damaged. In addition, severe infrastructure damage has left many without access to basic services such as electricity and potable water. Streams of humanitarian support are crucial as the involved agencies prioritize food, water, sanitation, and shelter for the affected communities.

Cyclone Chido developed into a tropical depression in early December 2024 and intensified into a Category 4 cyclone before making landfall in Mozambique. After traversing Malawi, it re-entered Mozambique, eventually dissipating near Zimbabwe on December 17. As agencies assess the full scale of the destruction, ongoing recovery efforts will focus on rebuilding and providing relief to the affected populations.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant climatic event in Southern Africa, particularly impacting Mozambique, Malawi, and Mayotte. Following its formation in the Indian Ocean, Chido intensified rapidly, highlighting the vulnerability of these regions to severe weather events. This situation necessitates an urgent response from humanitarian organizations, with extensive efforts required to address the repercussions of the cyclone, ranging from infrastructural damage to the urgent needs of displaced individuals. The region’s susceptibility to climate phenomena poses ongoing challenges that demand coordinated international support and comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies.

The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido illustrates the need for immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery strategies in the affected regions. With a confirmed death toll of 45 in Mozambique and extensive damage in Malawi and Mayotte, the urgency of addressing basic human needs such as food, water, and shelter remains paramount. The coordination between various humanitarian partners will be essential in the forthcoming days to aid the recovery and ensure the resilience of communities devastated by this natural disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int