Mozambique Humanitarian Crisis Update: Tropical Cyclone Chido Impact Assessment
Mozambique continues to face a humanitarian crisis following Tropical Cyclone Chido, with approximately 329,510 individuals affected across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. Significant damage to homes and essential services exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. Response efforts are ongoing but hindered by limited resources. Urgent action is required to address the critical needs for shelter, food, and health services while preparing for the impacts of the rainy season.
The humanitarian crisis in Mozambique continues to worsen following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, as thousands more people become affected across the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) reports that approximately 329,510 individuals, equivalent to 65,282 families, have been impacted by the cyclone’s destructive winds and torrential rainfall. The area has seen significant destruction, with over 39,000 homes completely destroyed, further exacerbating the already fragile living conditions of vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The ongoing response efforts focus on essential services such as shelter, food, water, health care, and protection services. However, challenges remain due to limited resources and inadequate stockpiles, which hinder the rapid scale-up of aid required to adequately address the urgent needs of the affected communities. The humanitarian community, in collaboration with the Mozambique Humanitarian Country Team and Development Cooperation Partners, is mobilizing resources to assist the government in meeting these critical needs.
As the rainy season sets in, the vulnerability of affected populations will likely escalate due to damage to shelters and key infrastructures, such as health facilities and water systems. Damage to crops and seed distribution further threatens food security, necessitating immediate action to replace the lost agricultural assets. With an emphasis on coordination and resource mobilization, humanitarian partners strive to implement effective interventions to alleviate the suffering caused by this natural disaster.
The tropical cyclone season brings significant challenges to Mozambique, a country that faces recurrent natural disasters. Cyclone Chido, which struck in December 2024, exemplifies the vulnerability of this region, particularly in provinces like Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, which have been plagued by destructive storms. Prior to this cyclone, these areas were already grappling with humanitarian crises due to internal conflicts and displacement. As the floods and winds devastate homes and critical infrastructure, the intricate web of existing vulnerabilities increases, heightening the urgency for humanitarian assistance. The report highlights the critical and continuing need for resources to rebuild and recover from the immediate and long-lasting impacts of the cyclone.
In conclusion, the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in a growing humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, with thousands of families displaced and significant damage to vital infrastructure. Although response efforts are being mobilized, resource limitations pose substantial barriers to adequate relief efforts. Urgent attention is needed to replenish lost agricultural resources and restore access to essential services, particularly as the rainy season heightens existing vulnerabilities. The collaboration among governmental and humanitarian organizations is vital to mitigate the ongoing challenges faced by the affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
