On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, leading to extensive damage and loss of life. Approximately 23,598 homes were destroyed, alongside numerous health facilities and schools. Displaced populations are in urgent need of support as access to basic services remains severely disrupted. Immediate humanitarian aid is crucial for recovery efforts.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the Mecufi district of Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, causing significant destruction due to heavy rainfall and high winds. The cyclone has since moved to Malawi and is expected to dissipate in Zimbabwe. The most affected regions include Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, and portions of Tete and Northern Manica, with Cabo Delgado bearing the brunt of the impact.
In Cabo Delgado Province, districts such as Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba experienced severe damage. Initial reports indicate that approximately 23,598 homes have been destroyed, with 149 schools and 37 healthcare facilities also affected. Challenges in infrastructure have led to concerns regarding electricity, water supply, and internet connectivity, while Pemba Airport has recently reopened following closure due to the cyclone.
In Mecufi district, nearly all homes sustained damage, leaving 400 families homeless. Health facilities lack resources, with medical professionals operating under dire conditions from a local school. Current assessments reveal confirmed injuries and fatalities among the population. In Chiure, half of the population faces damaged roofs, worsening the ongoing water crisis. The healthcare system is severely compromised, with only partial services available.
In Metuge district, access is limited to four-wheel-drive vehicles, highlighting the extent of destruction. The impact is prevalent in Pemba district, where inadequate shelters and ongoing urban flooding risks exacerbate the situation for the displaced populations. Efforts to provide aid are hampered by infrastructure challenges, particularly regarding healthcare and accommodation centers for the affected individuals.
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024, inflicting catastrophic damage primarily in the Cabo Delgado Province. Notably, on landfall, it brought torrential rains measuring up to 250mm and winds reaching 180km/h. The cyclone’s aftermath remains critical as counties assess the losses, with ongoing environmental and humanitarian challenges necessitating urgent relief efforts to support the affected populations and rebuild essential services.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on Mozambique, particularly in the Cabo Delgado Province, where infrastructure destruction, loss of life, and critical shortages of medical supplies have been reported. The health sector is struggling to cope with the demands placed upon it due to infrastructure damage and lack of resources. It is imperative that immediate assistance and long-term recovery strategies are implemented to aid the affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
