Mozambique Faces Growing Challenges from Cyclone Chido: Update as of December 2024

As of December 27, 2024, Cyclone Chido has affected 453,971 individuals in Mozambique, with significant destruction reported, including 70,400 homes and 52 health facilities. A flash appeal for US$88 million aims to assist 320,000 people in need. The cyclone has caused extensive agricultural losses that threaten local food security, particularly affecting women and girls across multiple provinces.

As of December 27, 2024, Mozambique continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which has significantly impacted the lives of many of its citizens. The number of individuals affected has risen dramatically, with assessments currently underway to gather more precise data. In just twelve days following the cyclone’s landfall, at least 77,000 people have reportedly benefited from various forms of assistance, facilitated by the strategic reallocation of resources initially intended for conflict response efforts.

In response to this devastating event, the humanitarian community has united to support government-led recovery initiatives. A flash appeal has been initiated to procure US$88 million, aimed at addressing the urgent needs of 320,000 individuals, notably encompassing 156,000 women and girls directly impacted by the cyclone. This coordinated effort illustrates a robust commitment to mitigating the crisis and providing necessary relief to those affected.

The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reported that as of December 23, a staggering 453,971 individuals, encompassing 90,513 families, have been impacted across various provinces, including Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, Tete, Manica, and Sofala. A significant majority, approximately 98 percent of the affected population, resides in Cabo Delgado and Nampula, affecting 272,382 and 175,169 people, respectively. The cyclone has wreaked havoc on vital infrastructure, resulting in the destruction of around 70,400 houses and the damage of an additional 32,200 residences, culminating in dire humanitarian challenges.

Furthermore, the cyclone has severely compromised healthcare access, with 52 health facilities sustaining substantial damage. Consequently, this has hampered the provision of both routine and emergency medical services in the hardest-hit districts. A critical assessment conducted by the World Food Programme (WFP) unveiled that over 456,000 hectares of land, incorporating 28,000 hectares of agricultural lands, have been inundated in the cyclone-affected regions. Such loss has dire implications for local food security, posing significant challenges to the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture for their sustenance.

Cyclone Chido has emerged as one of the most destructive natural disasters to strike Mozambique recently, leading to an urgent humanitarian crisis. The impacts of such cyclones are severe, often resulting in loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) acts as the primary agency coordinating disaster response efforts. Following the cyclone’s landfall, assessments have revealed extensive damage across multiple provinces, highlighting the necessity for immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term recovery efforts.

In conclusion, the ongoing situation in Mozambique following Cyclone Chido underscores a significant humanitarian disaster that necessitates immediate international attention and support. The rising number of affected individuals, overwhelming loss of infrastructure, and urgent needs for food and healthcare services present an intricate challenge for recovery efforts. The humanitarian community’s appeal for financial assistance underscores the critical importance of mobilizing resources to aid the affected population and restore normalcy in the region.

Original Source: www.unocha.org