Cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation across Mozambique and neighboring countries, affecting over 622,000 people and damaging thousands of homes. The IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal seeking 10 million Swiss francs to assist affected populations with essential needs such as shelter, food, and healthcare, while also aiming to enhance community preparedness for future storms.
The South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season commenced with cyclone Chido, which impacted Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing extensive destruction. The cyclone resulted in heavy rains and strong winds across several nations, including Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi, leading to loss of life and significant damage to infrastructure. Current estimates indicate that approximately 622,000 individuals in Mozambique are affected, with over 130,000 homes either damaged or destroyed. In Comoros, cyclone Chido has impacted over 64,000 individuals, while in Malawi and Mayotte, 45,000 and 70% of the population respectively have experienced adverse effects due to the cyclone. In response, Red Cross teams are actively engaged in rescue and support operations across the affected regions.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has initiated an Emergency Appeal to mitigate the impact of cyclone Chido. This appeal seeks to raise 10 million Swiss francs to assist 100,000 people in Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi through a comprehensive response. The assistance will encompass cash support, shelter, healthcare, and livelihoods. Essential services such as distribution of household items, clean water, and implementation of health services will be prioritized. Furthermore, the initiative aims to bolster community preparedness for potential future cyclones, reaching 500,000 individuals in vulnerable areas by strengthening early warning systems and preparing emergency supplies.
Cyclone Chido has marked the onset of the South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season, which poses a significant threat to the coastal nations of the region. The cyclone not only leads to immediate devastation through its impact on communities and infrastructure but also raises concerns about the potential for further natural disasters in the coming months. The Red Cross’s prompt response and proactive measures are critical in addressing the immediate needs of affected populations while ensuring that communities are better prepared for future emergencies. The collaborative efforts by various organizations and local authorities are imperative in navigating the multifaceted challenges posed by such natural disasters.
In summary, cyclone Chido’s impact on Mozambique and surrounding regions has been severe, affecting hundreds of thousands of people and causing considerable infrastructural damage. The response by the Red Cross through their Emergency Appeal aims to provide essential support and aid in recovery efforts. Additionally, the initiative seeks to promote better community preparedness to lessen the impact of future cyclones in the region. Timely and effective intervention is crucial for restoring normalcy and ensuring the welfare of those affected.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
