Tropical Cyclone Chido: Humanitarian Response and Impact in Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on 15 December 2024, affecting over 380,000 people. With significant damage reported, WFP swiftly provided emergency food assistance to thousands in the hardest-hit regions, although access remains a challenge due to road blockages. The situation is evolving as recovery efforts are underway to restore essential services and support the affected population.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on 15 December 2024, in Mecufi, Cabo Delgado province, significantly affecting over 380,000 individuals across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The cyclone, categorized as a 4 with winds reaching 180 km/h, has led to the destruction of 61,500 homes, impacted 52 healthcare facilities, and disrupted 250 schools, resulting in 76 reported fatalities and 768 injuries. The World Food Programme (WFP) was swift in its response, providing emergency food aid to 500 families in Pemba within 24 hours of the cyclone’s impact. As of 20 December, WFP, in collaboration with the Joint Response Programme (JRP) along with the IOM and UNICEF, has already assisted 23,000 individuals in various districts.
Access to affected regions remains challenging, particularly in Mecufi due to road blockages. The situation in Pemba is improving as the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) resumed flights on 18 December after a temporary halt. Preliminary assessments reveal extensive damage, especially in Mecufi and southern Pemba. The WFP office in Pemba has sustained moderate damages but continues its operations to address the urgent needs of the affected populations, with major roads remaining open despite the downed trees and fallen electrical poles. Immediate restoration of vital utilities such as electrical power and communication networks is anticipated to take several days.
Continued monitoring and assessment are necessary to ascertain the full extent of the cyclone’s impact as recovery efforts progress across the affected provinces.
On 15 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the coastal region of Mozambique, primarily affecting Cabo Delgado province and extending its impact into Nampula and Niassa provinces. With winds recorded at speeds reaching 180 km/h and heavy rainfall, the cyclone caused severe infrastructure damage, prompting an urgent humanitarian response. WFP, along with other UN agencies, initiated immediate food assistance and relief efforts, indicating a coordinated response to an escalating disaster. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing assessments to address the immediate needs of the affected population and the extent of infrastructural damages.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation across multiple provinces in Mozambique, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals. The rapid response by the WFP and its partners signifies the importance of coordinated humanitarian efforts in disaster situations. As recovery operations continue, the focus remains on restoring essential services, providing food aid, and addressing the needs of those severely impacted by the cyclone.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
