WFP Mozambique: Response to Tropical Cyclone Chido and Funding Needs

On January 10, 2025, WFP completed the first cycle of food distributions for over 180,000 individuals affected by Cyclone Chido in Cabo Delgado. Plans are in place to assist vulnerable families over the next three months, but funding is limited to 55,000 people. An urgent USD 14 million is needed for continued food assistance. WFP has also increased safety measures due to civil unrest affecting aid delivery.

On January 10, 2025, the World Food Programme (WFP) completed its initial round of food distributions for families impacted by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Cabo Delgado, assisting approximately 180,650 individuals with seven-day food rations. Although WFP intends to continue its support for vulnerable households over the next three months, current funding only suffices to aid 55,000 people. To sustain its operations in January through March 2025, an urgent financial requirement of USD 14 million has been identified.
Amidst ongoing civil unrest in Mozambique, WFP has enhanced its safety protocols and is vigilantly monitoring the situation to ensure the secure delivery of aid. As the co-lead of the Food Security Cluster (FSC), WFP is coordinating closely with partner organizations to prevent any service gaps or duplications in the assistance provided.
Following a temporary suspension of field operations in Cabo Delgado and Nampula due to security incidents that occurred on December 29, WFP resumed its distribution activities on January 6, post a careful assessment of the local security climate. Between January 6 and 10, an additional 65,000 individuals received emergency food assistance, resulting in a cumulative total of 180,650 beneficiaries from the initial distribution cycle.
The cyclone, which adversely affected infrastructure upon striking Mecufi on December 15, has left many regions only partially accessible. WFP is actively collaborating with its partners to ensure that aid reaches all affected individuals. In this emergency response, WFP is utilizing available food stocks from its northern crisis intervention efforts situated in Pemba and Nacala while seeking replenishment from donor partners.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing significant damage and exacerbating food insecurity in the region. The World Food Programme (WFP) is engaged in ongoing efforts to provide emergency assistance to the affected communities amidst a backdrop of civil unrest that has led to security challenges in delivering aid. The crucial financial support from donors is essential for continuing these efforts and mitigating the impact of the disaster on vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, the WFP’s ongoing response to the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido is critical to supporting the affected communities in Cabo Delgado. The urgent need for additional funding highlights the challenges faced in providing assistance, particularly in light of the civil unrest. Continued coordination with various partners is essential to ensure the effective delivery of aid and meet the needs of all those impacted by this disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int