Red Cross Responds to Cyclone Chido and Enhances Preparedness for Future Storms in Mozambique
Cyclone Chido has devastated several countries in the South-West Indian Ocean, particularly Mozambique, leaving nearly 622,000 people affected. The Red Cross has launched an Emergency Appeal to assist 100,000 individuals across Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi, focusing on immediate relief and community preparedness for future storms.
The South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season commenced with Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024, in Mozambique, causing significant destruction across the region. This powerful storm impacted not only Mozambique but also Madagascar, Comoros, Malawi, and Mayotte, resulting in tragic loss of life and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, including roads and communication systems. The cyclone has left thousands displaced, and now immediate assessments are underway to gauge the full scale of the destruction.
Naemi Heita, Head of IFRC Country Cluster Delegation for Mozambique and Angola, highlighted that ongoing assessments reveal pressing needs such as shelter, food, clean water, and healthcare. The numbers are anticipated to increase as emergency responders reach previously isolated areas affected by the severe flooding and damage. Initial reports indicate that nearly 622,000 individuals have been affected in Mozambique alone, with over 130,000 shelters either damaged or destroyed. Similarly, Comoros reported that more than 64,000 people were impacted, with considerable damage to homes, schools, and agricultural lands. Furthermore, in Malawi, the cyclone affected over 45,000 people, while in Mayotte, approximately 70% of the population faced adversity, with over 35,000 homes lost.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Red Cross teams have been deployed across the affected countries to assist with rescue operations and provide support to impacted communities. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has initiated an Emergency Appeal to mitigate the dire consequences of Cyclone Chido. This appeal aims to raise 10 million Swiss francs to assist 100,000 people in Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi, offering a comprehensive response that includes cash assistance, shelter provision, support for livelihoods, and healthcare services.
Key initiatives will include the distribution of essential household items in emergency shelters, cash distributions, and the provision of water, sanitation, and health services, all while implementing safeguarding protection strategies. Beyond immediate relief, the appeal also seeks to bolster community preparedness for the remainder of the cyclone season, aiming to reach 500,000 individuals in high-risk areas. This will involve refining early warning systems, pre-positioning emergency supplies, and training volunteers in preparedness and response measures.
The article addresses the impact of Cyclone Chido, which has wreaked havoc in several countries within the South-West Indian Ocean region, particularly Mozambique. Tropical cyclones are common in this season, and with the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms, the humanitarian needs in the affected regions are rising. The Red Cross plays a crucial role in disaster response, providing immediate assistance while also focusing on long-term community resilience in preparation for future storms.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has posed substantial challenges across multiple nations in the South-West Indian Ocean, necessitating urgent humanitarian assistance. The Red Cross’s response through their Emergency Appeal will facilitate immediate relief for those affected and enhance community preparedness for future cyclones. Through comprehensive interventions, the initiative aims to address both the immediate needs of impacted populations and their long-term recovery.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
