Mozambique’s Ongoing Crisis: The Impact of Recent Tropical Cyclones
Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude have caused extensive damage in Mozambique, affecting nearly 1.1 million people and resulted in hundreds of fatalities. The cyclones led to significant destruction of homes, health facilities, schools, and agricultural land. The ongoing humanitarian situation is aggravated by cholera outbreaks, highlighting an urgent need for assistance in the affected regions.
The devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Mozambique began when it made landfall on December 15, 2024. It delivered torrential rainfall of over 250 mm in just 24 hours, accompanied by winds reaching 120 km/h. As the cyclone moved through Malawi and dissipated in Zimbabwe by December 17, it wreaked havoc, leaving approximately 453,971 individuals affected, with recorded fatalities of 120 and 868 injuries, as reported by the National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD). Evaluations indicate ongoing assessments will likely reveal even more extensive damages.
Particularly hard hit was Cabo Delgado Province, where districts such as Mecufi, Metuge, Chiure, and the capital Pemba experienced severe destruction. An estimated 272,000 people were affected in this province alone. A joint assessment mission coordinated by INGD and OCHA identified near-total devastation in areas like Mecufi and Nangolo, with nearly all homes destroyed, showcasing the dire circumstances.
On January 13, 2025, Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Nampula province, producing winds up to 150 km/h and heavy rains that led to the highest recorded precipitation of 247 mm at Mossuril on January 14. By January 27, it was reported that 283,334 individuals were affected, including a significant number of vulnerable populations such as children and persons with disabilities. Damage assessments revealed 80,865 houses were impacted, alongside 48 health facilities, 221 schools, and substantial agricultural land.
The subsequent landfall of Tropical Cyclone Jude in Nampula Province on March 10, 2025, brought additional destruction, with winds of 120 km/h and substantial rainfall affecting several provinces. This cyclone further disrupted key infrastructure, leaving numerous roads impassable and causing widespread outages in power and telecommunications. Preparations for this cyclone included activating the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework, allowing for proactive humanitarian responses funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). However, the cyclone exacerbated the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula, leading to further public health concerns.
As of March 19, 2025, the total population impacted by Cyclone Jude reached 390,000, with reports of significant infrastructural damage, including over 88,000 houses and 81 health units. Additionally, approximately 1,084,011 hectares experienced flooding, leading to the displacement of many vulnerable populations and the loss of agricultural lands. A Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessment was finalized by March 18, covering multiple affected districts, thus emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian intervention across the region.
The impact of Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude has severely affected Mozambique, with hundreds of thousands displaced and significant infrastructural damage reported. Continued humanitarian assessments reveal increasing numbers of affected individuals, underlining the urgent need for aid and resources to combat the ensuing crises, including health outbreaks and food insecurity. Proactive measures and timely interventions are critical as the nation deals with these devastating natural disasters.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
