Mozambique Faces Humanitarian Crisis Following Tropical Cyclone Chido
Tropical Cyclone Chido devastated Mozambique in December 2024, affecting over 453,971 individuals, causing significant destruction to homes, schools, and health facilities, and prompting a cholera outbreak in Nampula. The ongoing needs for humanitarian assistance are beyond the current response capacity, exacerbated by pre-existing crises in the region. Immediate support is critical to prevent further loss of life and facilitate recovery efforts for the impacted communities.
Mozambique is currently grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm and winds of up to 120 km/h, causing widespread destruction across various provinces. An estimated 453,971 individuals have been affected, resulting in 120 fatalities and 868 injuries. Both Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces have experienced significant damage, including the destruction of homes, schools, and health centers. A cholera outbreak in Nampula has further compounded the crisis as vital medical supplies and health services have been disrupted.
The immediate needs of the affected populations are urgent, with over 272,000 individuals in Cabo Delgado alone requiring assistance. In addition to shelter, food, and potable water, communities need healthcare services to combat water-borne diseases. Reports indicate that displaced families, many of whom were already affected by violence, are at heightened risk of gender-based violence and require psychosocial support. The humanitarian response is underway, but resources are severely lacking to meet the overwhelming needs of those affected.
Local authorities, NGOs, and UN teams are collaborating to assess the situation and deliver critical assistance. Nonetheless, the humanitarian needs generated by the cyclone are exceeding current response capabilities. With an ongoing drought affecting 1.4 million people and escalating conflicts impacting an additional 1.3 million, Mozambique is facing a multifaceted crisis that necessitates immediate and expanded humanitarian support to avert further disaster and protect vulnerable populations.
The article highlights the severe impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique, detailing initial assessments of the catastrophe that commenced on December 15, 2024. The cyclone resulted in significant human casualties, widespread property damage, and a public health crisis, including a cholera outbreak. The challenges presented by the cyclone are exacerbated by existing crises in the region, including violence, drought, and limited humanitarian resources, requiring urgent and coordinated humanitarian intervention to assist affected communities.
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido poses unprecedented challenges for Mozambique, with immediate humanitarian needs outpacing response capabilities. The affected populations require urgent assistance to address shelter, food, healthcare, and protection concerns amid increasing risks of gender-based violence. Without additional resources and targeted interventions, the ongoing public health crisis and socioeconomic destabilization may further endanger lives in the affected regions. An urgent response is needed to mitigate these challenges and support recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
