Tropical Cyclone Chido: Devastation in Northern Mozambique and Urgent Humanitarian Needs
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, causing widespread destruction with over 23,598 homes destroyed, significant damage to schools and health facilities, and resulting in human casualties and a growing health crisis. Many families are displaced without access to water or medical care, necessitating immediate humanitarian assistance.
On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the Mecufi district of Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, bringing severe weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall exceeding 250mm in 24 hours and wind speeds reaching 180km/h. As of December 16, the cyclone has since moved to Malawi and is projected to dissipate in Zimbabwe by December 17. The provinces most affected include Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, with significant damage reported.
In Cabo Delgado Province, the districts of Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba faced the brunt of the disaster. Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 23,598 homes were fully destroyed, impacting 149 schools and 37 health facilities. The region is reeling from infrastructure damage coupled with a severe strain on essential utilities, including electricity and water supply. The closure and subsequent reopening of Pemba airport have added to the ongoing challenges.
Among the most distressed areas, Mecufi district reports nearly total destruction of housing, with 400 families displaced, 50 injuries, and 16 confirmed fatalities. In Chiure, an alarming water crisis threatens 3,000 families in Megaruma due to lack of access to clean water, prompting a need for immediate water trucking solutions. Despite some healthcare services being available, infrastructure remains heavily compromised with many healthcare providers working under dire conditions. Overall, the districts are experiencing critical shortages of medical supplies and have established few accommodation centers for the displaced.
The context of Tropical Cyclone Chido stems from the recent severe weather patterns affecting Mozambique, particularly in December 2024. The cyclone’s landfall and its associated consequences have further exacerbated the existing vulnerabilities in the region, highlighting the pressing need for intervention in the health sector. The ongoing crisis reveals challenges not only in terms of immediate disaster response but also the longer-term implications for health care delivery, infrastructure recovery, and community support in the aftermath of such extreme weather events.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido’s impact has been devastating across several provinces in Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado. The destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities, alongside the challenges in providing essential services, underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian needs of affected communities. Immediate action is required to restore infrastructure, provide medical assistance, and ensure the availability of clean water to mitigate ongoing health risks.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
