IOM Flash Appeal: Responding to Cyclone Chido in Northern Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024, has left 380,000 individuals affected and over 88,670 homes damaged. Immediate needs include shelter, NFIs, WASH kits, and food. The IOM seeks USD 12,159,000 to assist 240,000 individuals in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The humanitarian response is necessary due to the compounded effects of conflict and food insecurity.
On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique, affecting the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The cyclone unleashed torrential rain of 250 mm within a day and winds reaching 260 km/h, resulting in severe damage. The National Institute for Natural Disaster (INGD) estimates that approximately 380,000 individuals, which translates to 76,100 households, have been impacted. Notably, over 88,670 homes suffered complete or partial destruction. The immediate needs for these individuals encompass shelter, non-food items (NFIs), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) kits, and food.
The province of Cabo Delgado has already been grappling with conflict since 2017, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of those in the cyclone-affected districts. These areas have been facing displacement due to ongoing sporadic attacks. Furthermore, the region is contending with acute food insecurity, with certain locations classified as IPC 4. The onset of the rainy season, which lasts until April 2025, may lead to additional flooding in these regions, necessitating swift intervention to support recovery and prevent further deterioration of living conditions.
In response to this humanitarian crisis, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is collaborating with INGD, OCHA, and other agencies to provide urgent support to affected populations. Through this Flash Appeal, the IOM aims to raise USD 12,159,000 over the next six months to assist approximately 240,000 individuals in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. This funding request is fully aligned with ongoing efforts within the larger inter-agency response to Cyclone Chido, and IOM is currently participating in the Multi-cluster/Sector Initial Rapid Assessment to evaluate the needs on the ground.
The devastation wrought by Tropical Cyclone Chido on December 15, 2024, has exacerbated the already dire situation in northern Mozambique, particularly in areas that have faced prolonged conflict and humanitarian challenges. The cyclone’s intense rainfall and winds resulted in significant infrastructural damage, with thousands of homes destroyed and critical resources compromised. The region’s vulnerability is further underscored by ongoing food insecurity and the challenges posed by displacement due to local conflicts. As a result, concerted efforts from various humanitarian organizations are crucial to ensuring that the needs of the affected populations are met expeditiously.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in northern Mozambique, particularly as the region deals with pre-existing vulnerabilities due to conflict and food insecurity. The IOM’s proactive measures to raise funds and coordinate efforts with various agencies are essential to support recovery and relief efforts. Immediate action is critical to address the needs of the affected populations and to prevent further humanitarian deterioration in this struggling region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
