Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impact Assessment and Humanitarian Response in Southern Africa
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, resulting in 45 confirmed deaths and affecting 184,000 people. The hardest-hit provinces are Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with significant infrastructure damage and ongoing humanitarian aid efforts. The cyclone also impacted neighboring Malawi and Mayotte, resulting in more casualties and damage. Recovery efforts are focused on basic needs and rebuilding.
On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, causing widespread devastation primarily in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with up to 184,000 individuals affected and a rising death toll currently at 45. Reports indicate that Cabo Delgado suffered the worst, with a significant number of injuries and extensive damage to housing and infrastructure. As assessments continue, humanitarian partners are mobilizing essential aid to meet the urgent needs of those impacted, prioritizing food, water, sanitation, and shelter.
Tropical Cyclone Chido formed in the southeastern Indian Ocean and intensified into a severe storm before striking Mozambique. With wind speeds reported at approximately 260 km/h, the cyclone brought heavy rainfall and significant thunderstorms, leading to the destruction of over 35,000 homes and damage to health and educational facilities. The effects of Chido were also felt in Malawi and Mayotte, highlighting the storm’s widespread impact across the region.
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has highlighted the vulnerabilities of affected communities in Southern Africa. As rescue and recovery efforts commence, immediate priorities include the provision of humanitarian assistance to support those displaced and to restore critical services in the affected areas. The disaster underscores the ongoing need for preparedness and effective response strategies in the face of increasingly severe weather events due to climate change.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
