Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing widespread destruction affecting 380,000 individuals. The IOM has launched a flash appeal seeking USD 12,159,000 to assist those in need, particularly in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The urgent requirements include shelter, food, and hygiene supplies, amidst ongoing conflict and food insecurity in the region.
On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique, severely impacting the Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. It resulted in intense rainfall totaling 250 mm within a single day and wind gusts reaching 260 km/h. The National Institute for Natural Disaster (INGD) reported that approximately 380,000 individuals, comprising 76,100 households, have been affected by this catastrophic event. It is reported that over 88,670 homes have either been fully or partially destroyed due to the cyclone’s impact.
The immediate needs of the affected populations include shelter, non-food items (NFIs), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) kits, and food assistance. Compounding the challenges, Cabo Delgado province has been contending with conflict since 2017, which has led to multiple displacements in the districts that endured the cyclone. Existing vulnerabilities are exacerbated by ongoing acute food insecurity, with some areas classified under IPC phase 4, indicating a crisis level of food shortage.
As northern Mozambique enters its rainy season, the risk of further flooding remains high, continuing until April 2025. In response to this urgent situation, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with INGD, OCHA, and various inter-agency partners, is mobilizing support for the affected households and communities to promote recovery and mitigate any further deterioration.
Through this flash appeal, IOM aims to raise USD 12,159,000 over the next six months to assist 240,000 individuals in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. This request is fully coordinated with relevant humanitarian clusters and is part of the recently published interagency Flash Appeal for Tropical Cyclone Chido. IOM is actively engaged in ongoing assessments to address immediate needs in the aftermath of the cyclone.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in December 2024 presented significant challenges for northern Mozambique, a region already facing vulnerabilities from ongoing conflict and food insecurity. The cyclone’s destruction compounded the existing humanitarian crisis, making immediate aid crucial for recovery efforts. The IOM flash appeal seeks to provide comprehensive support to affected communities, aligning with coordinated inter-agency efforts to ensure effective response and recovery.
In summary, the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Chido have left 380,000 individuals in dire need of assistance across northern Mozambique. The IOM’s appeal for USD 12,159,000 highlights the urgent requirement for shelter, food, and hygiene support, enabling affected communities to recover and withstand future adversities. Collaborative efforts among humanitarian agencies are critical in addressing these pressing needs.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
