The World Food Programme (WFP) has aided 180,650 individuals in Cabo Delgado following Cyclone Chido, providing 7-day food rations. Funding limitations may restrict future support to 55,000 people, necessitating USD 14 million for sustainability until March 2025. Amid civil unrest, WFP is taking safety measures while coordinating with partners to ensure effective food distribution despite infrastructure damage.
On January 10, the World Food Programme (WFP) concluded its first distribution cycle, providing essential food rations to families affected by Cyclone Chido in Cabo Delgado. This initiative successfully assisted 180,650 individuals with provisions sufficient for one week. Moving forward, WFP is committed to continuing its support over the next three months, although current funding will allow for assistance to only 55,000 individuals.
To sustain food assistance for cyclone-affected communities from January to March 2025, WFP urgently requires USD 14 million in funding. Amid increasing civil unrest in Mozambique, WFP is implementing enhanced safety protocols while monitoring conditions closely to ensure that aid reaches those most in need. As a co-lead of the Food Security Cluster (FSC), WFP is collaborating with partners to optimize assistance and prevent redundancy.
After a temporary halt in operations in Cabo Delgado and Nampula due to security concerns, WFP resumed distributions on January 6 following a comprehensive security review. From January 6 to 10, approximately 65,000 individuals received emergency food support, raising the total beneficiaries to 180,650 during the first distribution cycle.
The cyclone, which struck Mecufi on December 15, caused substantial damage to infrastructure, leaving several areas only partially accessible to aid efforts. WFP is working diligently with its partners to ensure that vulnerable populations receive necessary assistance. In the meantime, WFP is relying on existing food stocks from previous crisis responses while engaging with donors to replenish supplies.
This report outlines WFP’s ongoing response to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Chido, specifically focusing on food distribution efforts in the affected regions of Mozambique. The cyclone has resulted in significant damage to infrastructure and has displaced many families, prompting WFP to mobilize resources and coordinate with various agencies to deliver critical assistance amid rising civil unrest. The need for external funding is highlighted as a crucial element in sustaining these relief efforts in the coming months.
The WFP’s ongoing efforts in Mozambique highlight the critical food assistance being provided to those impacted by Cyclone Chido. With an urgent need for additional funding, WFP aims to stabilize and expand its support to vulnerable communities affected by the cyclone while adapting to the challenges posed by civil unrest. Continuous collaboration with partners is vital to ensure effective delivery of aid and to address any potential gaps in assistance.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
