Cyclone Chido has devastated Mozambique and surrounding areas, affecting approximately 622,000 individuals. The Red Cross has launched an Emergency Appeal to raise 10 million Swiss francs for immediate humanitarian assistance and community preparedness for future storms, targeting over 100,000 people in affected regions.
The onset of the tropical cyclone season in the South-West Indian Ocean has been marked by cyclone Chido, which struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024. The cyclone unleashed catastrophic conditions across Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, and Malawi, causing significant loss of life and widespread destruction of homes and critical infrastructure. Thousands are currently displaced as a result of the adverse effects, including heavy rains and strong winds.
Naemi Heita, Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Country Cluster Delegation for Mozambique and Angola, reported that assessments are ongoing to fully understand the damage. The immediate needs of affected populations include shelter, food, clean drinking water, and health services, which could escalate as emergency teams reach previously inaccessible areas.
Initial evaluations indicate that approximately 622,000 individuals in Mozambique have been impacted, with over 130,000 structures either damaged or completely destroyed. In addition, the cyclone has adversely affected more than 64,000 people in Comoros, as well as over 45,000 individuals in Malawi. Notably, 70% of Mayotte’s population has also suffered, with an estimated 35,000 houses destroyed.
The Red Cross units have been actively engaged in rescue operations and community support across all affected regions. In response to the cyclone’s devastating impacts, the IFRC has initiated an Emergency Appeal, aiming to raise 10 million Swiss francs. This funding will enable the organization to provide a holistic aid response to 100,000 individuals across Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi, which includes cash assistance, shelter, livelihood support, and healthcare services.
The Emergency Appeal will also focus on enhancing community resilience in preparation for the ongoing cyclone season, targeting 500,000 individuals at risk. Efforts will encompass the improvement of early warning systems, pre-positioning of emergency supplies, and disaster preparedness training for volunteers within vulnerable communities.
For inquiries or to request an interview with IFRC representatives, contacts are available in Dakar, Maputo, and Geneva.
The Red Cross remains dedicated to addressing both immediate and long-term needs while fostering community resilience in these regions.
The article addresses the devastating impact of cyclone Chido, which struck various countries bordering the South-West Indian Ocean, particularly Mozambique, on December 15, 2024. The cyclone season is anticipated to be above average, increasing the urgency of preparedness measures. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has acted swiftly to respond to the crises resulting from this natural disaster by launching an Emergency Appeal to support affected populations and enhance community disaster readiness.
In summary, cyclone Chido has resulted in significant destruction and displacement across multiple countries, with Mozambique being one of the hardest-hit areas. The urgent needs for shelter, food, and health services are being addressed by the Red Cross through an Emergency Appeal aimed at supporting over 100,000 individuals. The appeal also seeks to improve community preparedness for future emergencies, underscoring the need for increased resilience against natural disasters in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
