Mozambique: Humanitarian Update on Tropical Cyclone Chido Impact
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has led to approximately 65,282 families affected across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The cyclone has destroyed vital infrastructure, including shelters and health facilities, while increasing the risk of disease outbreaks due to lack of clean water. Humanitarian assistance is ongoing, but challenges in resources and stockpiles hinder effective response efforts.
As of December 20, 2024, the humanitarian situation in Mozambique, following the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Chido, remains critical. The number of affected individuals continues to escalate in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, with assessment teams expanding their reach and data collection efforts intensifying. Current estimates indicate that approximately 65,282 families, translating to around 329,510 individuals, have been significantly impacted by the cyclone’s destructive winds and heavy rainfall. \n\nNotably, Cabo Delgado Province has been hit hardest, with an alarming 217,000 individuals facing dire circumstances exacerbated by ongoing conflicts. The destruction of homes is extensive, with reports indicating that 39,133 houses have been completely destroyed and an additional 13,343 houses damaged, displacing many families and exposing them to heightened protection risks. The situation is further complicated by the onset of the rainy season, which will intensify existing vulnerabilities.\n\nMoreover, vital health services have been disrupted due to damage to 49 medical facilities, while the destruction of water supply systems has deprived numerous communities of access to clean water, increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks. Critical agricultural needs have also been affected, as seeds previously distributed have been obliterated by the cyclone, necessitating urgent replenishment to reduce dependency on external aid. Despite ongoing response efforts from humanitarian partners focused on shelter, food, water, sanitation, health, and protection services, challenges such as limited resources and dwindling stockpiles pose significant hindrances to effective aid expansion.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Mozambique is the direct result of the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall causing widespread destruction across three provinces: Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The cyclone has compounded existing vulnerabilities within these regions, particularly among internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities already dealing with the implications of conflict. The rapid mobilization of humanitarian resources and effective coordination among agencies is paramount to address the emergent needs of the affected populations.
In conclusion, the humanitarian response to Cyclone Chido is faced with numerous challenges amid escalating numbers of affected individuals in Mozambique. The destruction of homes and infrastructure, combined with the compounding effects of the rainy season, necessitates urgent action to provide shelter, clean water, and health services. The humanitarian community’s efforts, whilst commendable, require substantial augmentation to meet the critical needs of the survivors.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
