Impact of Cyclone Chido on Mozambique: A Harrowing Update
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, bringing destructive winds and heavy rains that led to significant devastation in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. An estimated 174,000 individuals were affected, with 34 deaths reported. The cyclone demolished homes, critical infrastructure, and agricultural resources, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases as recovery efforts are hindered by disruption to services.
On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made an impactful landfall in the district of Mecufi, situated in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique. The cyclone unleashed destructive winds reaching speeds of 120 km/h, accompanied by torrential rains that surpassed 250 mm within just 24 hours. This combination resulted in extensive devastation across northern Mozambique, with Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces suffering the most damage, while Tete and northern Zambézia faced secondary repercussions.
As reported by the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD), by December 17, Cyclone Chido had adversely affected approximately 174,000 individuals, leading to 34 fatalities and 319 injuries. The cyclone destroyed or partially damaged over 35,000 homes, alongside critical infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, and water supply systems. The aftermath of the cyclone has further complicated existing vulnerabilities within the region, particularly in Cabo Delgado, which has been dealing with conflict-related displacement and an ongoing cholera outbreak.
In the Mecufi and Chiure districts within Cabo Delgado province, the damage is described as nearly total, with a staggering 100% of homes impacted and health services rendered inoperable. The repercussions on agriculture are particularly grim, with extensive loss of crops and seed stocks, including maize, beans, sesame, and cassava, leaving communities in dire need of recovery. Furthermore, in Nampula province’s Memba and Erati districts, over 3,600 families have reported significant damage to their fishing livelihoods.
The destruction of vital water and sanitation infrastructure significantly heightens the risk of waterborne diseases, especially cholera. Compounded by disrupted communication and power networks, these challenges further obstruct humanitarian response efforts in the affected areas. Given that more than 80 percent of the Mozambican population depends on agriculture for sustenance and income, urgent actions are mandated to assist affected households in reconstructing their lives and ensuring access to essential nutrition.
Tropical Cyclones are significant weather events that pose a major threat to vulnerable regions like Mozambique, especially during specific seasons when they are prone to such natural disasters. Tropical Cyclone Chido exemplifies the destructive potential of such storms, impacting infrastructure, health, and agricultural sectors, particularly in regions already grappling with socio-economic challenges. The case of Cabo Delgado Province reflects a convergence of climatic events with pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as conflict-related displacements and health crises, which compound the humanitarian needs. The severe aftermath often necessitates a coordinated and swift humanitarian response to alleviate the suffering caused by such disasters.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage across northern Mozambique, particularly affecting Cabo Delgado Province, where communities face substantial losses in housing and agriculture. Key infrastructure, including health services and sanitation facilities, has been compromised, exacerbating health risks such as cholera. It is imperative that coordinated humanitarian efforts are swiftly mobilized to support rebuilding efforts and restore livelihoods for those impacted by this devastating disaster.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
