Mozambique is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, affecting over 730,000 individuals. Cyclone Chido resulted in extensive destruction in December 2024, while Cyclone Dikeledi hit in January 2025, compounding the situation. Damage includes significant casualties, infrastructure loss, and urgent assistance needs, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces.
Mozambique is currently grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck the region on December 15, 2024. The cyclone unleashed torrential rains exceeding 250 millimeters in a mere 24 hours and winds reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour. By the following day, the cyclone had progressed to Malawi and subsequently dissipated in Zimbabwe on December 17, resulting in extensive damage and a humanitarian crisis.
As of December 24, 2024, the National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) estimates that 453,971 individuals have been affected, with tragic reports of 120 fatalities and 868 injuries. The infrastructure has suffered immensely, evidenced by the destruction of over 70,000 homes, 250 schools, and 52 health centers, along with significant damage to electricity infrastructure. These numbers are anticipated to rise as assessment efforts continue.
The crisis has surpassed the threshold of 350,000 affected individuals, triggering a Flash Appeal for assistance. The devastating impact and ongoing connectivity issues significantly impede situational awareness and effective response efforts. Notably, Cabo Delgado Province is among the hardest-hit areas, with 272,000 individuals affected across districts including Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure.
On December 18, a joint multi-agency assessment mission conducted by INGD, OCHA, and various humanitarian partners highlighted the widespread devastation. In Mecufi, nearly all homes were reported destroyed, while Nangolo faced similar total destruction, leaving communities in ruins and necessitating urgent humanitarian support.
Following closely, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Mozambique on January 13, 2025. It traversed the region, entering the Mozambique Channel the following day, and resulted in hazardous weather conditions. Significant rainfall was recorded in Mossuril with 247mm, as well as other areas, complicating the aftermath and intensifying the challenges faced by residents.
As of January 27, an initial assessment revealed that Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi affected 283,334 individuals, including a substantial number of vulnerable populations. This group comprises 142,598 children, 74,778 women, and 65,958 men, alongside 45,333 people with disabilities. The damage to housing includes an estimated 80,865 residences, with 36,853 completely destroyed and many facilities, such as health facilities and schools, also impacted.
The hardest-hit districts under Cyclone Dikeledi include Mossuril, Ilha de Mozambique, and Monapo, necessitating immediate and comprehensive humanitarian assistance. The need for recovery efforts is urgent as local communities continue to suffer from the compounded effects of these cyclones.
In summary, Mozambique is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe due to the destructive effects of Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. The combined impact of these natural disasters has left hundreds of thousands of individuals in urgent need, rendered critical infrastructure unusable, and exacerbated vulnerabilities among the population. Comprehensive assessments are ongoing, indicating that immediate humanitarian aid and long-term recovery strategies are essential to address the severe consequences faced by affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
