Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024, impacting over 380,000 individuals. The cyclone caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities in the region. The IOM is seeking USD 12,159,000 to assist 240,000 affected individuals through coordinated relief efforts amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024, severely affecting the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. The cyclone unleashed torrential rainfall of up to 250 mm in just 24 hours, with wind gusts soaring as high as 260 km/h. The National Institute for Natural Disaster (INGD) estimates that approximately 380,000 individuals, or 76,100 households, have been impacted, with over 88,670 homes destroyed or damaged. The cyclone has exacerbated urgent needs for shelter, non-food items (NFIs), water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) supplies, and food among the affected populations.
Compounding the disaster’s effects, Cabo Delgado province has been grappling with conflict since 2017, leading to ongoing displacement and pre-existing vulnerabilities among the local communities. The region is also experiencing acute food insecurity, with some areas reporting IPC level 4 conditions. The rainy season has just commenced, posing threats of further flooding until April 2025. In response, it is crucial to provide immediate support to facilitate recovery efforts and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has taken a proactive role in the crisis response, coordinating efforts with INGD, OCHA, and other inter-agency partners. The organization aims to raise USD 12,159,000 over the next six months to assist 240,000 affected individuals in the three provinces. This funding request aligns with a broader interagency Flash Appeal for Tropical Cyclone Chido. IOM is also actively participating in the ongoing Multi-cluster/Sector Initial Rapid Assessment to ensure an efficient and effective response.
The landfall of Tropical Cyclone Chido over northern Mozambique has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, with widespread devastation reported across several provinces. The cyclone’s heavy rainfall and high winds have resulted in substantial damage to infrastructure and housing, leaving countless families vulnerable and in dire need of assistance. Additionally, the affected regions are already strained due to previous conflicts and food insecurity, exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities. The urgency for a coordinated response is amplified by the onset of the rainy season, which threatens to compound the impact of the cyclone with further flooding and displacement.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage upon northern Mozambique, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals already facing significant vulnerabilities due to conflict and food insecurity. Immediate humanitarian assistance is critical to address the urgent needs of affected populations and support their recovery efforts. The IOM’s coordinated initiatives aim to mobilize substantial funding to provide essential aid across the severely impacted regions, emphasizing the necessity of a swift and robust response to the crisis.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
