Mozambique Faces Severe Challenges Following Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi
Mozambique is currently suffering the repercussions of Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which have displaced hundreds of thousands of people, caused extensive property and infrastructural damage, and led to numerous fatalities. As assessments continue, humanitarian efforts are urgently required to respond to the needs of the affected populations and facilitate recovery in severely impacted provinces, primarily Cabo Delgado and Nampula.
Mozambique is currently grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024. The cyclone unleashed more than 250 mm of rainfall within 24 hours alongside winds reaching 120 km/h, affecting numerous communities before moving into Malawi and eventually dissipating over Zimbabwe. Reports indicate that as of December 24, around 453,971 individuals were impacted with 120 fatalities and 868 injuries noted, alongside significant infrastructure destruction, including over 70,000 houses and numerous educational and health facilities.
The severity of the situation has prompted the necessity for a Flash Appeal, activated by the number of displaced individuals surpassing 350,000. Ongoing assessments have confirmed extensive damage, significantly affecting districts such as Mecufi, Metuge, Chiure, and Pemba in Cabo Delgado Province. The assessment mission revealed that nearly all homes in Mecufi were destroyed, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
Following Cyclone Chido, Cyclone Dikeledi struck on January 13, 2025, impacting Nampula province significantly. Dikeledi brought intense weather conditions, leading to Mossuril recording the highest rainfall of 247 mm. The evaluation conducted by IOM DTM and INGD reported that 283,334 individuals were affected, comprising children, women, men, and individuals with disabilities. The disaster resulted in the destruction of approximately 80,865 homes and significant damage to health and educational facilities.
In terms of specific districts affected by Dikeledi, Mossuril experienced the highest population impact, followed by Ilha de Mozambique, Monapo, and others. The extensive damage necessitates continued humanitarian response efforts to aid the large population in need following these tropical cyclones.
The situation underscores the critical need for rapid and effective coordination among humanitarian agencies, as well as the importance of addressing ongoing vulnerabilities in these communities and strengthening resilience against future climatic events.
In conclusion, the humanitarian crises following Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi in Mozambique call for urgent action and support. With hundreds of thousands of individuals affected, substantial infrastructure damage, and critical needs arising, it is imperative that humanitarian aid is delivered efficiently. The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies will be essential in addressing the immediate needs and rebuilding affected communities in the aftermath of these cyclones.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
