Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated northern Mozambique, affecting approximately 90,000 children and destroying thousands of homes and classrooms. With over 174,000 individuals impacted overall, UNICEF and UN agencies are responding to the emergency. The cyclone has further complicated existing humanitarian issues related to conflict and a cholera outbreak, requiring urgent assistance for vulnerable populations in the region.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted northern Mozambique, particularly in the Cabo Delgado province, resulting in devastating effects on local communities. The cyclone, which struck over the recent weekend, brought with it torrential rains and powerful winds, leading to the destruction of over 35,000 homes and displacing numerous families. Current reports indicate that approximately 90,000 children have been adversely affected, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Recent assessments detail that more than 174,000 individuals have been impacted by the storm, with the numbers expected to rise as further evaluations take place. The destruction includes at least 186,000 classrooms and damage to 20 health facilities following the cyclone’s landfall near Pemba City, where roofs were blown away, and vital infrastructure was compromised.
Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Representative in Mozambique, commented, “Mozambique is considered one of the most affected countries in the world by climate change and children were already experiencing several life-threatening emergencies before Cyclone Chido, including conflict, drought, and disease outbreaks.” The ongoing humanitarian response is critical, with UNICEF and various partners working collaboratively to address the immediate needs of the affected communities.
Cabo Delgado has faced more than seven years of conflict, resulting in significant internal displacement. The cyclone’s arrival has further exacerbated the struggles of approximately 1.3 million individuals in the region, overwhelming families who had only just begun to recover from previous hardships. The storm also inflicted damage in neighboring Nampula and Niassa provinces, where the impact on thousands of families, including damage to water facilities, threatens public health amid a choleral outbreak.
Within 48 hours post-cyclone, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, initiated aid delivery in Pemba, benefiting over 2,600 people with essential supplies like blankets, sleeping mats, and emergency shelters. UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun highlighted the ongoing assessments, noting, “while the full extent of the damage in rural areas remains unclear, preliminary assessments suggest that around 190,000 people urgently need humanitarian assistance, 33 schools have been affected and nearly 10,000 homes were destroyed.”
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed that UN teams are aiding in the delivery of essential emergency assistance, while the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that limited supplies are hindering their response efforts. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated $4 million to Mozambique to support initial humanitarian responses, as nearly 3.3 million people are anticipated to experience severe food insecurity in the coming year, according to the World Food Programme (WFP).
In addition to Mozambique, Cyclone Chido caused significant destruction in Mayotte, affecting vulnerable demographics, including refugees. The situation also deteriorated in southern Malawi, where strong winds and heavy rains led to extensive damage to infrastructure. The UN continues to monitor developments closely and coordinate local responses to address the emergent needs of impacted communities.
Mozambique is one of the nations significantly affected by climate change and natural disasters, particularly tropical cyclones and flooding, which have become more frequent and intense in the region. The Cabo Delgado province, in particular, has been plagued by long-standing conflict and humanitarian crises, exacerbating the vulnerability of its population. The recent Cyclone Chido has compounded existing challenges, devastating homes and critical infrastructure, which is essential for coping with previous emergencies such as drought and disease outbreaks. Humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF and WHO, are working urgently to provide support amidst worsening conditions amplified by the cyclone.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has wrought significant devastation across northern Mozambique, particularly impacting children and vulnerable communities in Cabo Delgado province. The destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities has resulted in urgent humanitarian needs, with ongoing assessments revealing the extensive difficulty faced by local populations. Immediate assistance efforts are crucial to mitigate the effects of this disaster, and international agencies are mobilizing resources to address these needs amid a backdrop of already challenging circumstances due to climate change, conflict, and health crises.
Original Source: news.un.org
