The Operational Strategy MDRS1005 addresses the significant damage caused by Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi in the Southwestern Indian Ocean, impacting thousands in Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Critical humanitarian response efforts are ongoing, with additional storms expected to exacerbate flooding and devastation. The Emergency Appeal aims to mobilize support for affected communities and enhance disaster preparedness.
The Tropical Cyclones Emergency Appeal Operational Strategy MDRS1005 focuses on the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido in the Southwestern Indian Ocean for the 2024/2025 season. Cyclone Chido intensified to a Category 4 cyclone with peak winds of 220 km/h, resulting in substantial casualties, with at least 172 fatalities and over 6,300 injuries reported by the end of December 2024.
Madagascar was significantly impacted as Chido crossed near the northern tip of the island, affecting over 135,800 individuals. Extensive damage to infrastructure, agricultural losses, and subsequent flooding due to heavy rains necessitated evacuations and ongoing danger warnings from local authorities. The Malagasy Red Cross Society has been actively involved in response efforts.
In the Comoros, the cyclone affected 64,167 residents, resulting in the loss of homes and considerable damage to crops and infrastructure. Mayotte suffered similar fates, with approximately 70 percent of its population impacted and many essential services disrupted due to the destruction of homes and hospitals.
In Mozambique, over 90,640 households were affected, with extensive assessments showing 104,539 damaged shelters across the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. Meanwhile, Malawi reported nearly 46,000 individuals affected, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian needs amidst the cyclone-induced devastation.
Subsequently, Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Madagascar on 11 January 2025, affecting over 7,000 inhabitants and damaging schools, with about 250 classrooms compromised. In Mozambique, Dikeledi struck coastal areas already impacted by Chido, with preliminary assessments indicating substantial home damage and the activation of evacuation protocols before the cyclone’s arrival.
Late February witnessed the emergence of two additional systems, Cyclones Honde and Garance, resulting in more widespread flooding across Southeastern Africa. Flooding in Madagascar displaced over 2,800 individuals, while Malawi experienced significant impacts on over 40,178 households due to intense rainfall and subsequent flooding.
Continued preparations are imperative given the expected high levels of rainfall and the possibility of further flooding in the region. This Emergency Appeal aims to mobilize resources to enhance humanitarian assistance and bolster community resilience throughout the remaining cyclone season until April and beyond.
The Tropical Cyclones Emergency Appeal highlights the urgent need for humanitarian support following the destructive impacts of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi in the Southwestern Indian Ocean. With thousands affected across Madagascar, Mozambique, the Comoros, and Malawi, the focus is on emergency response and preparedness to bolster community resilience against ongoing challenges in the region. Continuing efforts by National Societies and humanitarian organizations remain critical in addressing immediate needs and enhancing long-term disaster readiness.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
