Update on Cyclone Chido’s Impact in Mozambique: December 2024

Cyclone Chido has affected approximately 329,510 people across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa in Mozambique, damaging homes, healthcare facilities, and access to clean water. Humanitarian response efforts are underway but face challenges due to limited resources. Immediate action is needed to replenish destroyed seeds and support those impacted.

The impact of Cyclone Chido continues to escalate in Mozambique, affecting the populations of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. Current assessments indicate that approximately 65,282 families, totaling around 329,510 individuals, have been impacted due to the cyclone’s severe winds and torrential rains. The greatest number of those affected are located in Cabo Delgado, a region already grappling with significant internal displacement and ongoing conflict.

The damage from the cyclone has been profound, with 39,133 homes completely destroyed and an additional 13,343 houses affected. Many families now find themselves without adequate shelter as the rainy season approaches, intensifying their vulnerability to further risks. In addition to housing impacts, 49 health facilities have sustained damage, disrupting essential healthcare services, while the destruction of water systems has left communities without access to clean water, heightening the threat of disease outbreaks.

Humanitarian response efforts are currently underway, aimed at addressing the most urgent needs, including shelter, food, water, sanitation, health, and protection. However, challenges such as limited capacity and dwindling supplies are hindering rapid assistance deployment. It has been reported that previously distributed seeds have also been destroyed, indicating an urgent need to replace these losses to prevent further dependencies on external aid. The Mozambique Humanitarian Country Team and development partners are actively working to mobilize resources to assist the affected populations effectively.

Cyclone Chido, which struck Mozambique, has caused widespread devastation across the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. These regions were already under stress due to internal conflict and displacement, which has exacerbated the humanitarian situation. The cyclone resulted in significant physical damage, leaving thousands without safe shelter and access to basic services. Furthermore, it occurred concurrently with the onset of the rainy season, compounding the existing vulnerabilities faced by the affected communities. The response efforts aim to not only provide immediate relief but also to address the long-term recovery of these communities.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has severely impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands in Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The extensive damage to housing, healthcare, and sanitation has created a pressing humanitarian crisis. Ongoing response efforts face significant challenges due to limited resources and deteriorating stockpiles, underscoring the need for immediate and sustained assistance to help affected individuals rebuild their lives and restore community resilience.

Original Source: reliefweb.int