Situation Report on Tropical Cyclone Chido Impact in Northern Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024, resulting in severe damages across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The cyclone led to extensive destruction of homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure compromised. Emergency response efforts are crucial to address the immediate humanitarian needs in these heavily affected areas.
The Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the Mecufi district of Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing extensive damage across multiple provinces. It brought torrential rains of up to 250mm in 24 hours and winds reaching 180km/h, primarily affecting the Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. As the cyclone moved to Malawi and anticipated to dissolve over Zimbabwe, the humanitarian impact has been severe, with significant infrastructure and health challenges unfolding in the affected regions.
Assessments reveal that the Cabo Delgado Province faced the brunt of the cyclone, with districts such as Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba experiencing substantial destruction. Approximately 23,598 homes have been reported as completely destroyed alongside 149 affected schools and 37 disrupted health facilities. There are ongoing complications with basic services such as electricity, water, and internet connectivity.
In the Mecufi district, nearly all housing has been damaged, resulting in 400 families rendered homeless. Reports indicate 50 injuries and 16 confirmed fatalities, with 35 patients requiring transfer to Pemba for urgent medical attention. Health services are being provided in inadequate conditions, often due to reliance on makeshift setups in local schools. Meanwhile, medical supplies are being compromised by exposure to elements, exacerbating health risks for the injured.
Chiure district also reported substantial destruction, with 50% of homes experiencing severe roof damage and complete destruction for the rest. An acute water crisis is evident, particularly in Megaruma, necessitating urgent water trucking for approximately 3,000 families. Essential health services are limited to 30% functionality, with four accommodation centers set up but lacking adequate support for displaced individuals.
Access to remote areas remains a challenge, specifically in the Metuge district where all essential infrastructure has been severely impacted. Health services and shelters within the Pemba district are also notably damaged, where collaborations with organizations like IOM and UNHCR face hurdles in operationalizing accommodation centers for the displaced population. Pemba City now stands threatened by potential urban flooding in vulnerable neighborhoods.
The consequences of Tropical Cyclone Chido reflect a growing need for comprehensive assessments, immediate humanitarian support, and strategic infrastructure restoration plans to mitigate the enduring impact on the affected communities in Mozambique.
The Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a catastrophic impact on northern Mozambique as it made landfall in the Mecufi district on December 15, 2024. The cyclone brought significant rainfall and strong winds, leading to severe destruction across multiple provinces. Emergency responses are critical to address the urgent humanitarian needs arising from damaged infrastructure, healthcare disruptions, and increased health risks among affected populations. With Cabo Delgado Province experiencing most of the cyclone’s devastating effects, officials have reported significant displacement and destruction of homes and vital services. Preliminary assessments reinforce the pressing nature of the crisis, highlighting the immediate requirement for aid and recovery efforts to restore stability.
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has unveiled grave challenges for northern Mozambique, particularly in the Cabo Delgado Province. With extensive infrastructure damage, losses of homes and medical facilities, and the pressing need for water and medical supplies, the situation calls for immediate and coordinated philanthropic efforts to aid affected communities. A comprehensive response plan is essential to alleviate the suffering, restore essential services, and promote recovery in the impacted regions. This disaster emphasizes the critical importance of disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience to better withstand future climatic adversities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
