The WFP is assisting 180,650 individuals impacted by Cyclone Chido with food distributions in Cabo Delgado. However, they face funding constraints, needing USD 14 million for continued support. Increased safety measures are in place due to civil unrest, and WFP coordinates closely with partners to ensure effective aid delivery. Many affected areas remain hard to access due to infrastructure damage from the cyclone.
On January 10, 2025, the World Food Programme (WFP) completed its initial distribution cycle for families impacted by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Cabo Delgado, assisting 180,650 individuals with 7-day emergency food rations. Moving forward, WFP aims to continue its support for vulnerable households over the next three months, albeit with available funding permitting assistance for only 55,000 people. To sustain this effort, WFP urgently requires USD 14 million for food aid from January to March 2025.
Amidst rising civil unrest in Mozambique, WFP is implementing enhanced safety protocols and diligently monitoring the situation to ensure the secure delivery of assistance to those affected. As the co-lead of the Food Security Cluster, WFP is coordinating with partner organizations to ensure effective response without overlap or gaps in assistance.
The WFP had previously suspended field activities in Cabo Delgado and Nampula on December 29 due to security issues tied to civil unrest. However, distributions were successfully resumed on January 6 after assessing the security landscape. From January 6 to 10, around 65,000 cyclone-affected individuals received food aid, culminating in a total of 180,650 beneficiaries reached during this first cycle.
Due to significant infrastructure damage following the cyclone that struck Mecufi, Cabo Delgado province on December 15, many regions remain only partially accessible to aid. WFP continues to collaborate with partners to reach those in need while relying on available food stocks from previous crisis responses stored in Pemba and Nacala, simultaneously engaging with donor partners to replenish these reserves.
The Tropical Cyclone Chido significantly impacted Mozambique, causing severe damage, particularly in the Cabo Delgado province. In response, the World Food Programme has mobilized to provide food assistance to the affected populations. Funding limitations hinder the scope of their response, prompting urgent calls for additional financial support. The ongoing civil unrest in the region presents challenges in delivering humanitarian aid, necessitating enhanced safety measures and strategic coordination among various organizations involved in food security.
In conclusion, the WFP’s efforts to assist families affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido have reached a significant number of beneficiaries. However, the limitations in funding pose challenges to sustaining ongoing assistance. The civil unrest complicates the situation, demanding increased safety measures and continual collaboration with partners to effectively reach those in need. Sustained financial support is critical to ensuring the well-being of the vulnerable populations in Mozambique amidst these challenges.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
