Tropical Cyclone Chido has affected 453,971 individuals in Mozambique, with 77,000 receiving assistance. A humanitarian appeal for US$88 million aims to support 320,000 severely impacted persons, particularly women and girls. The cyclone inflicted extensive infrastructure damage, destroying homes and disrupting health services, while flooding agricultural lands worsened food security and livelihoods.
As of December 27, 2024, the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has seen a significant increase in the number of affected individuals in Mozambique, currently estimated at 453,971 people. In response to this crisis, roughly 77,000 individuals have received assistance within the first twelve days following the cyclone’s impact. The humanitarian efforts, supported by the government, have prompted the launch of a flash appeal targeting US$88 million to aid an estimated 320,000 people, including 156,000 women and girls, who are directly affected by the cyclone. The cyclone caused widespread destruction, resulting in approximately 70,400 homes being destroyed and a substantial impact on health services, with 52 health facilities damaged. Furthermore, over 456,000 hectares of land, including valuable croplands, have experienced flooding, leading to severe agricultural losses and heightened food insecurity. Assessments are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and to streamline humanitarian operations in the impacted regions.
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique, impacting several provinces including Cabo Delgado and Nampula. According to the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD), these two provinces account for the majority of the affected population. The cyclone has led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, significantly impairing access to essential services such as health care. Moreover, the flooding has devastated agricultural lands, posing serious threats to both food security and livelihoods in the region. In light of these challenges, urgent humanitarian assistance is being mobilized to address the needs of the affected populations.
In summary, the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from Tropical Cyclone Chido has affected hundreds of thousands in Mozambique. The extensive damage to infrastructure, health services, and agricultural land necessitates a robust response, exemplified by the UN’s flash appeal for aid. The humanitarian community aims to mobilize resources to alleviate the immediate needs of those affected, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. Continuous assessments are crucial for understanding the full impact and orchestrating effective recovery efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
