Mozambique Faces Severe Impact from Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi – Critical Needs Assessment (January 2025)
Mozambique faces severe impacts from Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, affecting over 737,305 individuals. Cyclone Chido made landfall on 15 December 2024, followed by Dikeledi on 13 January 2025, aggravating the humanitarian crisis in Nampula and Cabo Delgado. An immediate need for approximately US$ 8 million has been identified to assist an additional 362,000 people in the region.
As of 30 January 2025, Mozambique continues to grapple with the repercussions of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm that struck on 15 December 2024 near Pemba, caused extensive devastation in the northern provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado. The storm’s winds, reaching gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour, were accompanied by over 250 millimeters of rainfall, severely impacting the already vulnerable population.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has resulted in the displacement of numerous individuals, with preliminary assessments indicating that over 737,305 people have been affected. The most severely impacted areas include Cabo Delgado, where approximately 272,832 people were affected, and Nampula, affecting about 175,169 individuals. The situation is further compounded by the presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs) already facing adversity from ongoing conflicts.
On 13 January 2025, Cyclone Dikeledi exacerbated the dire situation, impacting an additional 283,000 individuals in Nampula. With an approaching rainy season that persists until March, there is an acute risk of further cyclones, necessitating enhanced preparedness and readiness measures. Currently, there is an urgent need for US$ 7,991,000 to assist an additional 362,000 individuals who require immediate support. Thus far, UNHCR interventions have reached around 30,000 people, underscoring the critical nature of the ongoing humanitarian response.
The recent rounds of cyclones in Mozambique highlight the intersection of natural disasters and human displacement. Cyclone Chido launched the onset of Mozambique’s annual rainy season, which is historically linked to increased cyclone activity and flooding. Such conditions have exacerbated the plight of thousands who are already displaced due to conflict, reinforcing the urgent necessity for resilient disaster response strategies.
In summary, the combined effects of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi have left over 737,305 individuals in dire need of humanitarian assistance in Mozambique. Urgent financial support is needed to continue relief efforts amid an ongoing risky weather season. The situation of IDPs is particularly concerning, as they face compounded challenges from climate-related events and previous conflict displacements, necessitating a multifaceted response strategy.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
