Mozambique Faces Humanitarian Crisis Due to Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi
Mozambique is facing severe repercussions from Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, with Chido affecting over 453,971 people and leading to extensive infrastructure damage. Dikeledi has impacted an additional 283,334 individuals, compounding the humanitarian crisis. Both cyclones have caused significant fatalities, injuries, and devastation to homes and essential facilities, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
The communities in Mozambique are grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024. Within a day, the cyclone released over 250 mm of rain and intensified winds reaching 120 km/h. By December 16, it had crossed into Malawi and dissipated in Zimbabwe by December 17.
The National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) reported extensive devastation, impacting an estimated 453,971 individuals, with 120 confirmed dead and 868 injured. The destruction extended to over 70,000 homes, along with hundreds of schools, health centers, and electricity structures. These numbers are likely to escalate as further evaluations are conducted.
The disaster triggered a Flash Appeal, as affected persons surpassed the critical threshold of 350,000. Connectivity issues and widespread destruction further complicate the assessment and response efforts. Cabo Delgado Province, particularly Mecufi, Metuge, Chiure, and Pemba, suffered the brunt of the cyclone’s impact, affecting roughly 272,000 people.
A multi-agency assessment mission led by INGD with support from OCHA reported shocking devastation, with Mecufi experiencing almost complete ruin of its residential structures. The findings revealed communities entirely obliterated, exemplified by areas such as Nangolo, which faced near-total loss.
Following shortly, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck the southern region of Ilha de Mozambique on January 13, 2025, before moving into the Mozambique Channel. The system produced severe weather conditions, with Mossuril recording 247 mm of rainfall and wind speeds reaching 150 km/h, with gusts up to 180 km/h.
As of January 27, 2025, initial assessments by IOM DTM and INGD indicate that Cyclone Dikeledi affected 283,334 people, including a significant portion of vulnerable groups. The destruction encompassed approximately 80,865 homes, with many health facilities, schools, and agricultural lands suffering extensive damage.
The districts of Mossuril, Ilha de Mozambique, Monapo, Nacala Porto, Angoche, and Liupo reported the highest impact levels, with Mossuril alone affecting over 62,000 individuals. The assessment continues as the region seeks to address the severe humanitarian crises stemming from these cyclones.
In summary, Mozambique has been severely impacted by two significant tropical cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi. The devastation has resulted in hundreds of thousands of affected individuals, destroyed infrastructure, and significant loss of life. Ongoing assessments reveal widespread destruction, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, warranting urgent humanitarian intervention to assist the affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
