Mozambique is grappling with a humanitarian crisis following the impact of Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude between December 2024 and March 2025. Cyclone Chido has affected 453,971 individuals, causing widespread destruction, followed by Cyclone Dikeledi affecting 283,334, and Cyclone Jude impacting 390,000 people, exacerbating the existing cholera outbreak amidst significant infrastructure damage.
The communities in Mozambique are experiencing severe devastation due to Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024. This cyclone produced intense rainfall exceeding 250 mm and winds up to 120 km/h, moving into Malawi shortly thereafter. As of December 24, 2024, the cyclone has affected approximately 453,971 individuals, leading to 120 fatalities and over 868 injuries. Thousands of homes, schools, and health centers have suffered significant damage, with numbers predicted to rise as further assessments are conducted.
In Cabo Delgado Province, the districts of Mecufi, Metuge, Chiure, and the provincial capital Pemba were severely impacted, with an estimated 272,000 individuals affected. A multi-agency assessment mission observed that entire communities were devastated, with Mecufi reporting nearly complete destruction of homes. The widespread damage and ongoing connectivity issues obstruct timely response efforts.
Subsequently, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted Mozambique on January 13, 2025, causing substantial weather damage with wind speeds up to 150 km/h. Rapid assessments indicated that 283,334 individuals were affected, including a significant number of children and individuals with disabilities. Approximately 80,865 houses suffered damage, with numerous health facilities, schools, and agricultural land affected as well, with the districts of Mossuril and Ilha de Mozambique being the most severely impacted.
On March 10, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique, bringing sustained winds of 120 km/h and substantial rainfall across multiple provinces. In response, the Mozambique Anticipatory Action Framework was activated to provide necessary support before the cyclone’s landfall. Unfortunately, the cyclone exacerbated the cholera outbreak already declared in Nampula. Reports as of March 19 indicated that around 390,000 individuals were affected, leading to significant destruction of housing, public facilities, and vast flooded agricultural areas in several provinces.
In conclusion, Mozambique faces a daunting humanitarian crisis due to the cumulative impact of Tropical Cyclones Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude. The damage to both infrastructure and public health underscores the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian efforts and long-term recovery strategies. Continued assessments and immediate support are crucial to address the challenges faced by the affected populations and to begin the rebuilding process.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
