Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, affecting over 380,000 individuals, damaging numerous homes, health units, and schools. The epidemic has resulted in 76 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. WFP provided emergency assistance promptly, reaching approximately 23,000 people across several regions. Access remains a challenge in many districts due to blocked roads, even as recovery efforts progress.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made its landfall in Mecufi, Cabo Delgado, on December 15, 2024, resulting in significant devastation across northern Mozambique. Over 380,000 individuals have been adversely affected across the regions of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, with a staggering 61,500 homes either damaged or entirely destroyed. Health facilities and educational institutions have also suffered, as 52 health units and 250 schools, comprising 1,126 classrooms, have been impacted. The Ministry of Health has reported 76 fatalities and 768 injuries, a figure that continues to rise as more assessments are conducted.
The World Food Programme (WFP) swiftly mobilized to assist those affected, providing emergency food aid to 500 families in Pemba within 24 hours post-cyclone. Moreover, humanitarian distributions commenced in Mecufi on December 17, facilitated through the Joint Response Programme (JRP) alongside the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF. To date, WFP, alongside its partners, has reached approximately 23,000 individuals across Pemba, Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure.
In Mogincual, Nampula, emergency food assistance was also delivered to 70 individuals residing in temporary centers following an Anticipatory Action activation by the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) with WFP’s support. The UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flights resumed operations on December 18, after a brief hiatus on December 16 and 17 due to safety concerns.
The cyclone, classified as Category 4, unleashed winds reaching 180 km/h and gusts peaking at 220 km/h upon making landfall. Some areas experienced over 200 mm of rainfall within a short period. The districts most significantly impacted encompass Mecufi, Chiure, Metuge, Pemba, Namuno, Montepuez, Ancuabe in Cabo Delgado, and Memba, Nacaroa, and Erati in Nampula province. Access remains challenging, particularly in Mecufi district, where blocked roads hinder relief efforts.
The local infrastructure has sustained considerable damage, with Pemba airport temporarily closed following the cyclone but reopening on December 16. While WFP’s office in Pemba reported moderate damage, it remains operational. Debris, including fallen trees and electrical poles, is widespread throughout the town, although main roads are navigable, and recovery efforts are underway to restore electrical and telephone services in Pemba, which may take several days.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is a significant natural disaster that struck the northern regions of Mozambique, particularly affecting Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The cyclone’s impact includes considerable loss of life, injuries, and damage to infrastructure, particularly homes, health units, and schools. The immediate response by humanitarian agencies like the WFP is critical in alleviating food insecurity and addressing the urgent needs of the affected population. This event underscores the vulnerability of communities in disaster-prone regions and highlights the importance of disaster response mechanisms.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage across northern Mozambique, with over 380,000 individuals affected and significant loss of life. The rapid response from WFP and humanitarian partners demonstrates a commitment to providing necessary aid, although challenges persist in accessing the most affected areas. Continued efforts will be essential in the recovery and rebuilding process for the affected communities in the aftermath of this devastating event.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
