Cyclone Chido impacted Mozambique and other countries, leading to severe damage and displacement. The Red Cross is responding with an Emergency Appeal to raise 10 million Swiss francs for relief efforts, assisting approximately 100,000 affected individuals and enhancing future storm preparedness.
The South-West Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season has commenced with cyclone Chido, which struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing significant devastation. Strong winds and heavy rains affected multiple countries including Madagascar, Comoros, Malawi, and particularly Mozambique, where the cyclone has resulted in substantial loss of life and severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and communication networks. Thousands have been displaced due to the catastrophic conditions that ensued after landfall.
Naemi Heita, the Head of the IFRC Country Cluster Delegation for Mozambique and Angola, indicated that assessments to understand the full scope of the disaster are ongoing. “As assessments are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage, the emerging needs of affected people include shelter, food, potable water, and health services, among others,” she stated, underscoring concerns the numbers of those affected may rise as emergency teams reach isolated areas.
The initial assessments estimate that nearly 622,000 individuals are affected in Mozambique, with over 130,000 shelters reported as damaged or destroyed. In Comoros, cyclone Chido impacted more than 64,000 people, damaging homes, schools, and agricultural lands. Additionally, Malawi has seen over 45,000 affected individuals and in Mayotte, roughly 70% of the population has been impacted, leading to the destruction of over 35,000 houses.
Red Cross teams have been deployed across the affected regions to assist in rescue operations and provide support to the communities in distress. In response to the substantial damages caused by cyclone Chido, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has initiated an Emergency Appeal aimed at raising 10 million Swiss francs to aid approximately 100,000 people across Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi. This holistic initiative will provide integrated assistance including cash grants, shelter solutions, livelihood support, and healthcare services.
The Emergency Appeal is not only focused on immediate relief but also aims to bolster community preparedness for the ongoing cyclone season, targeting an estimated 500,000 individuals in vulnerable areas. Strategic activities will encompass enhancing early warning systems, pre-positioning emergency supplies, and training volunteers in disaster response and preparedness strategies.
The context for this report involves the onset of the tropical cyclone season in the South-West Indian Ocean, particularly focusing on cyclone Chido, which caused extensive damage in December 2024. With cyclone-related disasters being frequent in the region, organizations like the Red Cross play a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and recovery. The ongoing cyclone season poses increased risks for communities, making preparedness and response initiatives critical to mitigating future impacts and ensuring community resilience.
In conclusion, cyclone Chido’s impact on Mozambique and surrounding regions has resulted in significant devastation, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged. The Red Cross’s Emergency Appeal aims to provide much-needed relief to the affected populations while simultaneously enhancing preparedness for future storms. By raising essential funds and deploying resources, the initiative focuses on both immediate assistance and long-term community resilience against natural disasters.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
