Mozambique: Update on the Impact of Cyclone Chido as Needs Escalate

Cyclone Chido has adversely affected approximately 329,510 individuals across Mozambique, with severe damage to housing and critical services. Approximately 65,282 families are impacted primarily in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, facing urgent needs for shelter, healthcare, and clean water. Humanitarian efforts are challenged by dwindling resources and capacity constraints, while the onset of the rainy season heightens vulnerability to disease outbreaks and food shortages.

As assessment teams continue to expand their reach following the devastation of Cyclone Chido, the number of affected individuals across Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces continues to escalate. Current reports indicate that approximately 329,510 people, representing 65,282 families, have been impacted by the cyclone’s severe winds and heavy rains. In Cabo Delgado Province alone, around 217,000 individuals face heightened vulnerabilities, especially those internally displaced and community members caught in ongoing conflict. The cyclone has resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure, with over 39,000 homes completely destroyed and additional structures suffering significant damage, exacerbating the shelter crisis for many families.

Compounding these challenges, the health system has also been affected, with 49 facilities rendered non-functional. Damage to water systems has further deprived communities of clean water, raising concerns about disease outbreaks during the ongoing rainy season. Furthermore, essential agricultural resources have been lost, as seeds distributed prior to the cyclone were destroyed, underscoring the urgent need to replenish supplies and reduce dependence on outside aid. Although humanitarian response efforts are underway, they face substantial obstacles due to overstretched capacities and diminishing stockpiles of necessary resources.

The humanitarian community, alongside the Mozambique Humanitarian Country Team and Development Cooperation Partners, is actively working to mobilize support for the government to address the pressing needs of the affected population. However, the situation remains challenging as resources dwindle and the demand for assistance grows. Immediate and coordinated action is critical to alleviating the suffering of those impacted by Cyclone Chido, particularly as adverse weather conditions continue to threaten the region.

The recent devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis confronting the nation. Affected areas are primarily located in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, known for experiencing both natural calamities and socio-political challenges. The cyclone’s destructive impact on homes, health facilities, and water systems has strained already limited resources and displaced communities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive disaster response strategies. The affected regions are further complicated by ongoing internal conflict, which intensifies the vulnerabilities of those already displaced. As the rainy season approaches, the humanitarian situation is expected to worsen, necessitating swift action from aid agencies and government bodies.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has led to a significant humanitarian emergency in Mozambique, impacting over 329,000 individuals and causing extensive damage to homes and vital services. The immediate need for shelter, health, and clean water services is critical, particularly with the impending rainy season. While response efforts are underway, significant resource limitations hinder the ability to adequately support affected populations. Coordinated efforts between humanitarian partners and governmental agencies are essential to address these pressing needs and mitigate the ongoing crisis.

Original Source: reliefweb.int