Mozambique has faced destruction from Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, affecting hundreds of thousands and resulting in significant fatalities and injuries. Widespread damage includes homes, schools, and health facilities. Emergency assessments highlight drastic needs for humanitarian aid and recovery efforts in the impacted regions, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces.
Mozambique has recently been impacted by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck on 15 December, bringing torrential rainfall of over 250 mm in just 24 hours and winds reaching 120 km/h. By 16 December, the cyclone transitioned into Malawi and subsequently dissipated in Zimbabwe by 17 December. The aftermath has left extensive damage affecting an estimated 453,971 individuals, with 120 fatalities and 868 injuries reported.
The cyclone caused significant destruction, with over 70,000 structures, including homes, schools, and health facilities being damaged or destroyed. The National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) forecasts these numbers may increase as assessments progress. Affected areas include the Cabo Delgado Province, particularly districts like Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure, with approximately 272,000 people feeling the impact of the disaster.
A joint assessment led by INGD along with OCHA and other partners conducted on December 18 revealed catastrophic conditions. In regions like Mecufi, almost all homes were found to be destroyed, while Nangolo similarly reflected extensive devastation. In the wake of this damage, the threshold for a Flash Appeal was surpassed, highlighting the extensive needs of the population.
Following shortly after, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall on 13 January near Ilha de Mocambique, resulting in severe weather with wind gusts of up to 180 km/h and heavy rainfall. Initial assessments by IOM DTM and INGD revealed that 283,334 individuals were affected, with children making up 50% of this number and many experiencing significant losses, including damage to homes and agricultural land.
The most severely impacted districts from Dikeledi include Mossuril, Ilha de Mozambique, and Monapo, where a considerable loss of housing and infrastructure has been documented. Overall, the situation remains dire as the affected communities strive to recover from the dual impacts of both cyclones, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
Assessments continue to reveal the full extent of the devastation caused by these cyclones, underscoring the necessity for immediate response efforts to address the vast humanitarian needs and support recovery initiatives in Mozambique.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, triggered by the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, has left hundreds of thousands in dire conditions. With significant loss of life and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance is evident. Collaborative assessments illustrate the extraordinary challenges faced by the affected communities, necessitating the mobilization of resources and multi-agency responses to facilitate recovery and rebuild resilience against future disasters.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
