Mozambique faces a humanitarian crisis following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, impacting over 737,000 individuals. UNHCR has reached 30,000 people with interventions and seeks additional funding of US$ 7,991,000 to assist more. The cyclones highlight the pressing need for ongoing disaster preparedness in light of the annual rainy season.
As of January 30, 2025, Mozambique is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which have severely affected over 737,000 individuals. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reached 30,000 people in need, but additional funding amounting to US$ 7,991,000 is required to assist 362,000 more affected persons.
The impact of Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm that struck on December 15, 2024, has been felt across Mozambique’s northern provinces, particularly Nampula and Cabo Delgado. With wind gusts of 80 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a day, the cyclone set the stage for the annual rainy season, which lasts from November to March and invites heightened cyclone risks and flooding. Following Chido, Cyclone Dikeledi’s arrival on January 13 caused further distress to more than 283,000 residents, emphasizing the need for continued preparedness against upcoming storms.
The cyclones have exacerbated the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are struggling to recover from both socio-political conflicts and climatic adversities. Authorities must prioritize assistance and funding to safeguard and support these vulnerable communities, who are disproportionately affected by repeated environmental shocks. Continuous humanitarian efforts are critical to mitigate the impact of subsequent disasters as the cyclone season progresses.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
