Cyclone Chido Devastates Northern Mozambique, Impacting 90,000 Children
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique, affecting approximately 90,000 children. Over 35,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, and 186,000 classrooms were lost. The cyclone has exacerbated an already fragile humanitarian situation, leading to urgent needs for food security and health services. Initial responses are being coordinated by UN agencies and local partners.
Cyclone Chido has wrought significant destruction in northern Mozambique, impacting approximately 90,000 children and causing widespread devastation in the Cabo Delgado province. The storm, which made landfall over the weekend, resulted in the destruction of over 35,000 homes and has severely affected infrastructure, including the loss of 186,000 classrooms and 20 health facilities. Initial reports indicate that at least 174,000 individuals have been impacted, with ongoing assessments likely to increase this figure. As the region was already grappling with numerous pre-existing crises, including conflict and disease outbreaks, the cyclone has exacerbated the humanitarian situation considerably.
UNICEF and various partners are mobilizing to provide emergency assistance. Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Representative in Mozambique, noted that the situation is particularly dire given Mozambique’s vulnerability to climate change and the persistent challenges faced by children in the region. The cyclone’s fallout has also led to increased concerns regarding disease outbreaks, especially in light of a cholera crisis already affecting the area.
Furthermore, the destruction also extended beyond Cabo Delgado, impacting neighboring provinces such as Nampula and Niassa, where thousands of families remain without electricity and water facilities have been damaged.
In response to the extensive needs, UN agencies and local organizations, including the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, have begun distributing emergency supplies to those affected, although limited resources hinder their efforts. No doubt, the cyclonic activity has led to heightened risks and vulnerabilities among already at-risk populations. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres confirmed that teams are currently providing assistance and are prepared to offer additional support as necessary.
Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique amid already challenging conditions. The region has been beset by prolonged conflict, resulting in significant displacement and vulnerability among children and families. This cyclone has added to the existing humanitarian crisis, affecting infrastructure and basic services, which complicates recovery efforts. The United Nations and its agencies have been actively involved in coordinating a response to the multiple emergencies facing Mozambique, highlighting the need for support in disaster relief as well as ongoing humanitarian efforts in the wake of climate-related events.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted extensive damage in Mozambique, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations within the Cabo Delgado province. The immediate response by UNICEF and partner organizations is critical in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs created by the cyclone. As assessments continue, the coordination among international agencies will be essential to mitigate the compounded crises of conflict, disease, and now natural disasters, underscoring the urgent requirement for support and resources.
Original Source: news.un.org
