Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique, displacing thousands and damaging infrastructure. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is providing aid in collaboration with the government. Approximately 190,000 people require urgent humanitarian assistance, highlighting the increased vulnerability of already displaced families. The cyclone also impacted neighboring regions, and concerns rise over a potentially destructive rainy season. UNHCR stresses the urgency of support amidst dwindling resources.
Cyclone Chido recently ravaged northern Mozambique, inflicting severe damage upon the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces with torrential rain and high winds. The cyclone destroyed numerous homes and led to the displacement of thousands, while road and communication networks suffered substantial impairment, hindering humanitarian assistance in regions that are already home to many forcibly displaced individuals. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed grave concern for the vulnerable populations affected by the cyclone and is actively collaborating with the Government of Mozambique and other humanitarian organizations to address immediate needs.
Within 48 hours of the cyclone’s impact, UNHCR initiated relief efforts at the primary accommodation center in Pemba, Cabo Delgado’s capital, where over 2,600 individuals received essential items, including blankets and emergency shelter supplies. Initial evaluations of the devastation reflect that approximately 190,000 individuals are in dire need of humanitarian relief, with 33 schools and nearly 10,000 homes significantly damaged. In several villages, the destruction is so extensive that few structures remain standing. Many displaced families suffered renewed hardship as Cyclone Chido washed away their modest attempts at recovery amidst ongoing conflicts, forced displacements, and economic challenges that have left the communities in a precarious state.
Before the cyclone, UNHCR and its partners distributed emergency relief items and coordinated with the Government to disseminate disaster preparedness messages using television, radio, and other communication methods. This communication aimed to assist local disaster management committees in targeting vulnerable groups for support. In Nampula, while some areas were adversely affected, the Maratane camp housing over 8,000 refugees—primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi—experienced minimal damage, suggesting the efficacy of recent efforts to build climate-resilient housing.
Additionally, Cyclone Chido impacted Mayotte, a French overseas territory, causing fatalities and infrastructure damage while exacerbating vulnerabilities among asylum seekers and refugees. UNHCR continues to monitor the situation in coordination with local partners. In southern Malawi, adverse weather conditions also led to damage in several areas where UNHCR has prepared shelter kits for aiding the Government’s response efforts. The agency is apprehensive that Cyclone Chido may herald a challenging and destructive rainy season, which has historically resulted in severe cyclones and flooding in the region, subsequently increasing the risks faced by already vulnerable communities.
UNHCR remains committed to supporting the affected populations in Mozambique and nearby regions through close cooperation with governmental and humanitarian partners. Nevertheless, resources are depleting quickly, and the need for urgent assistance will likely escalate in the upcoming days.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has posed severe threats to the northern regions of Mozambique, particularly affecting areas that are home to a significant number of displaced individuals due to ongoing conflicts and economic struggles. The cyclone’s aftermath reveals the acute vulnerabilities faced by these populations, making immediate humanitarian response critical. UNHCR, in collaboration with local government bodies and organizations, plays an essential role in providing relief and essential services to those impacted by the cyclone. Understanding the socio-economic context of the affected regions is vital to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by communities reeling from both natural disasters and prolonged crises.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic impacts in Mozambique, leading to extensive displacement and damage to infrastructure and housing. Responding swiftly to the humanitarian needs of approximately 190,000 affected individuals remains a pressing concern for UNHCR and its partners, as they strive to provide emergency relief and support, particularly as the region approaches a potentially volatile rainy season. The urgent call for resources underscores the ongoing vulnerabilities within these communities as they attempt to recover from this latest disaster.
Original Source: www.unhcr.org
