Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on December 15, 2024, has devastated northern Mozambique, affecting approximately 174,000 individuals, causing 34 deaths and 319 injuries. Homes and critical infrastructure have been destroyed, with agriculture severely impacted, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera. Immediate humanitarian assistance is essential for recovery and food security.
On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the district of Mecufi in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, generating destructive winds reaching 120 km/h, alongside torrential rain surpassing 250 mm within a single day. This catastrophic event has resulted in severe destruction across northern Mozambique, particularly in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) reports that by December 17, approximately 174,000 individuals had been affected, with 34 fatalities and 319 injuries recorded.
The cyclone has led to the destruction of over 35,000 homes, as well as vital infrastructure such as schools, health facilities, and water systems, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the region. Cabo Delgado is especially impacted due to ongoing conflict-related displacements and a cholera outbreak. In the Mecufi and Chiure districts, it is reported that 100 percent of homes were affected, and health services have become non-functional. The devastation to agriculture is particularly alarming, as thousands of hectares of crops—including maize, beans, sesame, and cassava—have been lost, leaving communities without vital food supplies.
In Nampula province’s Memba and Erati districts, over 3,600 families have been affected, suffering substantial damage to their fishing assets and livelihoods. The destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure has created a heightened risk of waterborne diseases, notably cholera, further complicating ongoing humanitarian relief efforts. Communication and power disruptions hinder the response ability, necessitating immediate action to aid those affected. With over 80 percent of Mozambique’s population relying on agriculture for sustenance and income, it is imperative that urgent measures be implemented to assist these households in recovery, livelihood restoration, and access to nutritious food.
The context of this report highlights the recent impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on northern Mozambique, with particular emphasis on the Cabo Delgado Province where the cyclone made landfall. The region is already vulnerable due to pre-existing conflicts and health crises, which have compounded the hurricane’s destructive aftermath. With a high reliance on agriculture within the population, the cyclone poses significant threats to food security and overall community stability. Understanding the ramifications of such natural disasters is crucial in facilitating effective humanitarian responses and rebuilding initiatives.
The destructive impact of Cyclone Chido underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in northern Mozambique, particularly in the Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. With significant loss of life, displacement, and devastation to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, the recovery efforts must prioritize the restoration of livelihoods and prevention of disease outbreaks. It is essential that immediate action is taken to support the affected population to rebuild their lives and secure their food sources.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
