Mozambique faces a humanitarian crisis following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, affecting over 737,000 people. UNHCR has reached 30,000 individuals, but US$ 7,991,000 is required to assist an additional 362,000. The storms have exacerbated challenges for internally displaced persons in already vulnerable regions.
As of 30 January 2025, Mozambique is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which together have impacted over 737,000 individuals. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has intervened, reaching 30,000 people, yet there remains a pressing need for US$ 7,991,000 to assist an additional 362,000 individuals.
Cyclone Chido, a destructive Category 4 storm, made landfall on 15 December 2024, significantly affecting Mozambique’s northern coastal provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado. With wind gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours, the cyclone initiated a challenging rainy season marked by heightened cyclone risks and flooding, further endangering vulnerable communities.
Following Cyclone Chido, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Nampula on 13 January, compounding the crisis by affecting over 283,000 people. While Chido affected a total of 453,000 individuals, the hardest-hit provinces, Cabo Delgado and Nampula, reported the most significant casualties. These districts are home to many internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are already confronting challenges from ongoing conflicts.
The compounded nature of this disaster underscores the significant vulnerabilities faced by IDPs who are working to recover from both violent conflicts and adverse climate effects. Furthermore, the looming threat of additional cyclones necessitates ongoing preparedness measures to safeguard affected communities.
Mozambique experiences severe weather cycles yearly, from November to March, which heightens the risk of climate-driven disasters, including cyclones and flooding. In recent years, the country has increasingly faced the dual challenges of natural disasters and interpersonal violence, leading to significant internal displacement. Such crises disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations, intensifying their struggles with recovery and sustainability.
In conclusion, the response to Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi reveals a critical need for continued humanitarian intervention and resource allocation in Mozambique. With a collective impact of over 737,000 affected individuals, the urgency for support remains high amid threats of further cyclones this season. Addressing the vulnerabilities of internally displaced persons and implementing sustainable recovery strategies are essential to alleviating the compounded crises faced by these communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
