Cyclone Chido has devastated multiple countries in the South-West Indian Ocean, drastically affecting Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, and Malawi. Approximately 622,000 people in Mozambique are affected, with substantial damage to shelters and infrastructure. The Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal for 10 million Swiss francs to support recovery efforts and enhance community preparedness for future storms.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has initiated an emergency response to the devastating impacts of tropical cyclone Chido, which struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024. The cyclone has wreaked havoc across the region, causing substantial destruction in Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, and Malawi. Initial assessments indicate that approximately 622,000 individuals in Mozambique have been affected, with over 130,000 shelters either damaged or entirely destroyed. In Comoros, the impact has been felt by more than 64,000 residents, while 70% of the population in Mayotte has seen their homes severely compromised.
To address immediate needs, Red Cross teams have been deployed to assist local communities, focusing on essentials such as shelter, food, potable water, and healthcare services. As emergency teams work to assess and respond to the needs of those cut off by flooding and infrastructural damage, the IFRC has launched a call for 10 million Swiss francs to provide aid to 100,000 individuals across the affected nations, featuring integrated support measures including cash assistance, shelter provisions, and healthcare services.
In addition to immediate relief efforts, the Emergency Appeal aims to enhance community preparedness for future storms, targeting at-risk populations. This includes improving early warning systems, pre-positioning emergency supplies, and training volunteers in disaster response protocols. These proactive measures are essential as forecasts predict an above-average cyclone season ahead.
The current tropical cyclone season in the South-West Indian Ocean commenced with cyclone Chido, which significantly impacted several countries, notably Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, and Malawi. Tropical cyclones in this region can lead to severe devastation, including loss of life, displacement of communities, and destruction of infrastructure. The rapid response from organizations such as the IFRC is crucial to mitigate these effects and support recovery efforts. Ground assessments reveal extensive damage, prompting the need for emergency appeals and increased community preparedness.
In conclusion, the Red Cross has mobilized substantial resources to tackle the aftermath of cyclone Chido, aiming to provide immediate assistance and improve preparedness for future cyclones. The scale of the disaster, affecting hundreds of thousands across multiple countries, underscores the urgent need for combined humanitarian efforts and resilient community strategies to withstand such natural calamities. The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal is a pivotal step in addressing both current and future challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
