Aftermath of Cyclone Chido: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Mayotte and Mozambique

Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in Mayotte and Mozambique, leading to at least 120 fatalities in Mozambique and 35 in Mayotte. The cyclone’s severe winds and rain caused widespread destruction, leaving tens of thousands homeless. Urgent humanitarian assistance is required, particularly in the hardest-hit regions of Mecúfi and Metuge in Mozambique, where needs for shelter and mental health support are critical, as humanitarian organizations mobilize to provide aid and support recovery efforts.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which struck from December 14 to 17, the humanitarian crisis in Mayotte and Mozambique remains dire. The cyclone, displaying wind speeds of 243 km/h and torrential rain, has left behind significant destruction, affecting infrastructure and livelihoods. Reports indicate at least 120 fatalities in Mozambique and 35 in Mayotte, with thousands more injured. In Mayotte, communities are left in despair, particularly where homes were destroyed. Young residents like Kamar, age eight, articulated the loss and desperation for assistance following the disaster.

Mozambique faces catastrophic conditions, particularly in Cabo Delgado, where 380,000 individuals have been impacted, including 90,000 children, according to UNICEF. The Mecúfi and Metuge districts sustain the most destruction, with nearly all homes rendered uninhabitable. Pauline Jacquart, program director at HI, noted that urgent needs encompass shelter, cooking utensils, and mental health support for those traumatized by the cyclone. HI has been actively assessing needs since 1986, focusing on vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities.

The visibility of destruction in Mayotte is stark, with emergency nurse Claire describing a landscape that once thrived. “It was as if everything had died,” she observed, emphasizing the critical need for basic necessities such as food and clean water amid the debris.

As the rainy season approaches, the challenges in Mozambique intensify, with the urgent need for shelter and healthcare services underscored by humanitarian workers. HI continues to collaborate with local authorities and other organizations to monitor the situation closely and mobilize support where necessary, as affected communities begin long-term recovery efforts.

Cyclone Chido significantly impacted southeastern Africa, particularly hitting Mayotte and Mozambique from December 14 to 17, 2023. Its devastating winds and rains caused widespread destruction, particularly in communities that already were vulnerable due to poor living conditions. The storm not only resulted in a high death toll but also crippled essential services such as power and water, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Early responses from humanitarian organizations like HI emphasize the need for urgent support and assessment of ongoing needs amidst growing casualties and displacement.

Cyclone Chido has unveiled a tremendous humanitarian crisis in both Mayotte and Mozambique, necessitating immediate international attention and support. With significant casualties reported and thousands displaced, the call for assistance is critical. The focus must remain on providing shelter, food, and mental health support to those profoundly affected by this natural disaster. Humanitarian organizations, particularly HI, are stepping in to assess and address these pressing needs.

Original Source: reliefweb.int