Mozambique is grappling with the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, affecting nearly 740,000 individuals. Cyclone Chido resulted in significant fatalities and damaged infrastructure, while Cyclone Dikeledi caused severe weather conditions impacting over 283,000 people. Urgent humanitarian aid is required to address the extensive damage and ongoing crisis in the affected regions.
Mozambique is currently facing significant challenges due to the aftermath of Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which have caused extensive destruction across the region. Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2024, resulting in torrential rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours and winds gusting up to 120 km/h. By December 17, the cyclone had moved into Malawi and dissipated in Zimbabwe, but its impact on Mozambique had been severe.
As of December 24, 2024, the National Institute for Natural Disasters (INGD) reported that approximately 453,971 individuals were affected by Cyclone Chido, with 120 fatalities and 868 injuries. The destruction included over 70,000 homes and significant damage to infrastructure, including 250 schools and 52 health facilities. These figures are likely to escalate as further assessments are conducted.
The damage from Cyclone Chido met the threshold for a Flash Appeal, with extensive devastation particularly in Cabo Delgado Province. Affected districts include Mecufi, Metuge, and Chiure, where estimates suggest around 272,000 individuals faced dire circumstances and unimaginable loss. An assessment mission by INGD and OCHA found that certain areas experienced near-total destruction.
Similarly, Cyclone Dikeledi struck south of Ilha de Mocambique on January 13, 2025, with extreme weather conditions leading to severe rainfall and wind gusts up to 180 km/h. An initial survey indicated that 283,334 individuals were impacted by this cyclone as of January 27, 2025, which included a considerable number of children and persons with disabilities.
Evidence of significant destruction was also provided by the assessment, highlighting that 80,865 homes sustained damage, alongside 48 health facilities and 221 schools. The districts of Mossuril, Ilha de Mozambique, and Monapo were among the hardest hit, with tens of thousands of individuals affected by the catastrophic weather events.
The recent Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi have had a catastrophic impact on Mozambique, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. With nearly 740,000 individuals affected across various regions, the need for humanitarian assistance is urgent. Continued assessments and collaborative efforts from organizations such as OCHA and INGD are crucial to address the ongoing needs of the impacted communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
