Humanitarian Crisis in Mozambique Following Tropical Cyclones

Mozambique faces a humanitarian crisis following the recent Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude, affecting nearly one million people and causing significant infrastructure damage. Key areas of concern include extensive housing destruction, healthcare and educational facility impacts, and an ongoing cholera outbreak exacerbated by the disasters. Rapid response efforts have been initiated but continued support is imperative to address the needs of affected populations.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted devastating damage in Mozambique, having made landfall on December 15, 2024. The storm unleashed torrential rains exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours and winds reaching 120 km/h. The damage is extensive, with reports indicating that by December 24, 2024, approximately 453,971 individuals have been impacted, including 120 fatalities and 868 injuries. Over 70,000 residences, 250 schools, and 52 health facilities have suffered destruction or damage, revealing a critical humanitarian need.

Cabo Delgado Province has been notably impacted, particularly in the districts of Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure, along with the provincial capital Pemba. Approximately 272,000 people in Cabo Delgado have been affected, with a joint multi-agency assessment confirming widespread destruction, including nearly total loss of homes in Mecufi.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Nampula on January 13, 2025, delivering severe weather conditions including winds of 150 km/h and extreme rainfall. By January 27, approximately 283,334 individuals had been reported as affected, with a significant number of vulnerable groups including children, women, and individuals with disabilities. The damage includes over 80,000 homes and impact on numerous educational and healthcare facilities.

On March 10, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Nampula again, with sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts up to 195 km/h. Rainfall totals of 100–200 mm across various provinces resulted in disruptions and infrastructure damage. Early response measures had been activated through the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework, which facilitated prompt support to mitigate impact. Notably, the cyclone exacerbated an existing cholera outbreak, with further public health concerns arising from water and sanitation facility damage.

As of March 19, an estimated 390,000 individuals were reported affected by Cyclone Jude. Destruction included over 88,000 homes, with critical infrastructure such as health facilities, schools, bridges, and water systems severely impacted. Flood assessments indicated that over 1 million hectares were flooded, further complicating humanitarian efforts throughout Cabo Delgado, Inhambane, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, and Zambezia provinces.

The impacts of Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude have resulted in extensive destruction across Mozambique. As thousands of individuals are displaced and urgent humanitarian needs arise, assessments reveal significant infrastructure loss and a heightened risk of cholera outbreaks. Early response frameworks have been activated to mitigate further deterioration, but the ongoing crisis necessitates continued support and recovery efforts in affected regions.

Original Source: www.unocha.org