WFP Report on the Impact of Cyclone Chido in Southern Africa
Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido recently made landfall in Mozambique after initially hitting Mayotte. The WFP is coordinating an emergency response, providing food assistance and resources. While Chido has weakened and impacted Malawi slightly, northern Madagascar remains unaffected, with WFP ready to assist. The cyclone adds to the challenges already faced due to previous climate shocks, especially the recent El Niño-induced drought.
On December 14, 2024, the Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on the island of Mayotte, marking the beginning of significant disruptions in the region. Following this, on December 15, Chido affected Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, where the World Food Programme (WFP) is undertaking an emergency response that includes the provision of food aid and the deployment of vehicles to facilitate access to remote areas. As of December 16, Chido had weakened to a Moderate Tropical Storm and subsequently landed in southern Malawi, where WFP continues to monitor developments without requiring immediate assistance. Fortunately, northern Madagascar experienced minimal repercussions, as Chido did not directly make landfall; however, the government is actively coordinating efforts and WFP remains poised to offer support as needed. Regrettably, the cyclone’s impact has aggravated an already dire situation across several nations, which have been grappling with concurrent adversities, including a recent drought induced by El Niño.
The Southern African region is currently facing a complex humanitarian crisis, with several countries experiencing recurrent climate shocks that severely affect food security and livelihoods. The 2024 hurricane season has proven particularly devastating, with Cyclone Chido demonstrating the escalating impacts of such natural disasters. El Niño conditions have already intensified droughts, compounding humanitarian needs and creating urgent demands for coordinated food assistance and disaster response among affected nations, particularly Mozambique, Malawi, and the surrounding regions.
In conclusion, the situation following Cyclone Chido underscores the vulnerabilities faced by the Southern African region in light of climate-induced disasters. With proactive measures being implemented by the WFP, including the distribution of food aid and the mobilization of resources, immediate efforts are being made to mitigate the cyclone’s impacts. Continued coordination between the WFP and local governments will be essential in addressing the exacerbated humanitarian needs of the populations affected.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
