WFP Mozambique: Response to Tropical Cyclone Chido as of December 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Cabo Delgado on December 15, 2024, with 2 million people at risk. Emergency measures are underway, including evacuations and food assistance to affected families. Key districts are facing significant threats, prompting coordinated response efforts from various agencies.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the district of Mecufi in Cabo Delgado province, posing significant risks to the local population. Approximately 2 million individuals are at risk, with 627,000 classified as high risk and 1.4 million at moderate risk. Government meteorological agencies have indicated potential damages to river basins, transportation infrastructure, utilities, and health facilities, necessitating urgent preparedness and response measures. The districts facing the greatest threats include Mecufi, Chiure, Metuge, Pemba, Namuno, Montepuez, and Ancuabe in Cabo Delgado, as well as Memba, Nacaroa, and Erati in Nampula province.

In alignment with the Anticipatory Action Plan, early warning messages and voluntary evacuation directives were disseminated as early as December 8 in Nampula and December 12 in Pemba, reaching over 400,000 residents across affected areas. Moreover, within less than 24 hours of the cyclone, the World Food Programme (WFP) successfully delivered emergency food assistance to approximately 500 families residing in temporary accommodation centers in Pemba. Additionally, food distributions took place in Mogincual, Nampula, with support from the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) and WFP collaborative efforts. Comprehensive assessments are slated for the Mecufi and Chiure districts.

Tropical cyclones pose a recurring threat to regions such as Mozambique, especially during the cyclone season, which typically extends from November to April. Cyclone Chido, just one in a series of such occurrences, highlights the vulnerabilities faced by coastal communities in Mozambique. The proactive measures adopted by governmental and non-governmental organizations, such as early warning systems and food assistance, aim to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters on the populations most at risk. The recent updates underscore the importance of coordinated disaster response and timely aid to affected regions.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces of Mozambique, endangering the lives of approximately 2 million people. Emergency preparedness actions, including early warnings and food assistance, are currently in effect to assist the affected populations. Continuous assessments and vigilant monitoring will be critical in addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the communities facing this crisis.

Original Source: reliefweb.int