Between December 2024 and March 2025, Mozambique experienced three devastating tropical cyclones (Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude), resulting in significant destruction. Over 1 million people have been affected, with substantial damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by cholera outbreaks and a dire need for a coordinated response to support rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
In Mozambique, the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido has been severe, following its landfall on 15 December, which resulted in heavy rainfall and fierce winds. By 24 December, over 453,971 individuals had been affected, with notable destruction including more than 70,000 damaged houses, alongside fatalities and significant disruptions to infrastructure like schools and health centers. The devastation raised significant concerns, necessitating a Flash Appeal due to the extent of the damage.
Cabo Delgado Province is among the hardest hit, with roughly 272,000 individuals reported as affected. Details from a multi-agency assessment mission revealed widespread destruction, particularly in Mecufi, where nearly all homes were destroyed. The continued assessment is expected to further verify the scale of the crisis and assist ongoing response efforts.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall on 13 January, also bringing significant rainfall and high winds to Nampula province. By 27 January, approximately 283,334 individuals were reported affected, including a substantial number of women, children, and individuals with disabilities. Damaged infrastructure encompasses tens of thousands of homes, health facilities, schools, and agricultural areas, evidencing the cyclone’s broad impact.
Cyclone Jude followed suit on 10 March, causing extensive damage across multiple provinces. With wind gusts reaching 195 km/h, the cyclone led to flooding, damaged infrastructure, and outbreaks of cholera in affected areas. Preparatory responses allowed for immediate humanitarian efforts, but the situation remained dire as significant sectors faced destruction, affecting over 390,000 individuals by 19 March. Emergency assessments indicated extensive flooding affecting agricultural land and access to essential services across several provinces.
The recent Tropical Cyclones in Mozambique have resulted in catastrophic damage, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals and overwhelming local infrastructure. The multi-agency response highlighted the critical needs for urgent humanitarian assistance. Continuous assessment and immediate action are essential to mitigate the escalating health and safety crises in the wake of these significant natural disasters, including cholera outbreaks exacerbated by the flooding and destruction of essential services.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
