Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely affected northern Mozambique, impacting approximately 90,000 children and displacing thousands. The cyclone caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities in Cabo Delgado province and beyond. The UN and other agencies are actively responding to deliver emergency assistance, but challenges remain due to limited resources and ongoing health crises.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has left a profound impact on northern Mozambique, particularly in the Cabo Delgado province, where it struck over the weekend. Over 90,000 children have been affected, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The storm has destroyed or damaged upwards of 35,000 homes, in addition to impacting infrastructure, which includes the destruction of at least 186,000 classrooms and damage to 20 health facilities. The situation continues to evolve as assessments reveal further devastation, with reports indicating that 174,000 people have been impacted overall.
Cyclone Chido’s winds and rains have resulted in significant infrastructural damages, primarily noted near the city of Pemba. Civilian infrastructures such as rooftops, electricity grids, and communication systems have been adversely affected. “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,” stated Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Representative in Mozambique. The region, which has faced seven years of conflict, has seen over 1.3 million people displaced, predominantly women and children.
The cyclone has not only impacted Cabo Delgado but also tore through Nampula and Niassa provinces, resulting in over 25,000 families losing access to electricity and damaging two water facilities. With ongoing battles against cholera, the latest cyclone has raised alarm about worsening health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched experts to these areas to assess health needs and provide necessary assistance.
In response to the disaster, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has provided aid in Pemba, delivering emergency relief supplies to over 2,600 affected individuals within the first two days. Preliminary assessments suggest approximately 190,000 people require urgent humanitarian assistance across the affected regions. Notably, 33 schools have been impacted, and nearly 10,000 homes have been reported as destroyed.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres indicated that the UN teams in the region are actively engaged in delivering emergency assistance, reaffirming the organization’s readiness to offer additional support as required. However, response efforts are currently impeded by limited supplies, which has prompted Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher to allocate $4 million for immediate humanitarian response efforts. As Mozambique faces a looming food crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) is also augmenting its support for those most adversely affected by this disaster. Moreover, Cyclone Chido has affected Mayotte and southern Malawi, resulting in fatalities and infrastructural damage, with the UN actively monitoring the situation in those areas as well.
Cyclone Chido is a recent natural disaster that struck amid ongoing crises in Mozambique, which historically experiences severe weather events exacerbated by climate change. The southwestern African nation has been grappling with conflicts, droughts, and disease outbreaks, posing disproportionate challenges to children. Cabo Delgado province, specifically, has experienced extensive violence and displacement due to ongoing insurgency activities over the last seven years. Recent disasters underline the need for heightened humanitarian response as communities face multiple compounding vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on northern Mozambique, displacing thousands and affecting the lives of approximately 90,000 children. Given the pre-existing vulnerabilities in the region, the response from UNICEF and other organizations is critical for mitigating further adversity. Continuous assessments and humanitarian actions are essential to address immediate needs and support long-term recovery efforts as Mozambique confronts the compounding crises of climate change and conflict.
Original Source: news.un.org
