WFP Mozambique: Response to Tropical Cyclone Chido as of January 2025

The WFP has concluded its first round of food distributions to 180,650 individuals affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Cabo Delgado. Urgently requiring $14 million for continued support, WFP is navigating civil unrest while implementing safety measures and coordinating with partners for effective aid. Despite infrastructure challenges, the organization is committed to reaching all those in need.H

On January 10, 2025, the World Food Programme (WFP) concluded its initial distribution cycle for families impacted by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Cabo Delgado. A total of 180,650 individuals received seven-day food rations. The WFP plans to assist vulnerable families over the ensuing three months; however, available funding limits support to only 55,000 individuals at this time.

To maintain aid for cyclone-affected communities from January to March 2025, WFP urgently requires $14 million. In light of ongoing civil unrest in Mozambique, the organization is instituting additional safety protocols and diligently monitoring the situation to ensure that assistance reaches those in need securely.

As the co-leader of the Food Security Cluster, WFP is coordinating closely with partners to prevent gaps or redundancies in assistance, ensuring comprehensive support for impacted areas. Following a pause in field operations in Cabo Delgado and Nampula due to security incidents, distributions resumed on January 6 after an assessment of the security environment was completed.

During the week of January 6-10, approximately 65,000 cyclone-afflicted individuals received vital food aid. This brought the cumulative number of beneficiaries from the first distribution cycle to 180,650. Due to significant infrastructure destruction caused by the cyclone that struck Mecufi on December 15, many regions remain partially accessible, and WFP is partnering with other organizations to reach all those in need.

WFP continues to utilize existing food reserves from its northern crisis response, based in Pemba and Nacala, as its primary response strategy while collaborating with donor partners to replenish these vital resources.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, causing extensive damage and disruption to local communities. The World Food Programme has been actively involved in addressing food security issues in the aftermath of the disaster, focusing on distributing food assistance to those affected amid heightened civil unrest that has impacted operational capacity in the region. The situation remains critical, and continued support from donors is vital for sustained aid efforts.

In summary, the World Food Programme is responding to the needs of families impacted by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique by providing emergency food assistance. Despite the significant challenges posed by civil unrest, WFP has successfully implemented distributions and is seeking essential funding to ensure ongoing support for vulnerable populations. Coordination with partners is critical to address the disaster’s aftermath and help communities recover effectively.

Original Source: reliefweb.int