CONTEXT
Cyclone Chido continues to profoundly impact Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces, Mozambique, as emergency response efforts are ramped up. Following its landfall on December 15, 2024, the cyclone left a trail of devastation across Chiúre, Mecufi, Pemba, Metuge,
Ancuabe, Namuno, and Montepuez Districts of Cabo Delgado and Erati, Memba, Mecuburi, Mossuril and Lalaua districts of Nampula province, further compounding existing vulnerabilities in the region. Updated figures from the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) now reports that over 450,000 individuals have been affected, with 120 fatalities and over 800 injuries recorded. Cabo Delgado (272,000 people affected) and Nampula (175,000 people affected) account for 98 per cent of the total affected population. More than 102,000 houses have been completely or partially destroyed along with 250 schools and 52 health centres. It is important to note that the figures mentioned above are provided by INGD. Continuous verification of the information may result in adjustments to the numbers in different districts, depending on the incidents and the impacts caused by Cyclone Chido.
A number of barriers were faced in the response due to roadblock and overall insecurity, widespread power outages, disrupted communication networks, and hampered access to affected areas. Community protection actors remain unreachable in some districts, further complicating efforts to identify and address protection risks. Partners in the field also report logistical challenges due to damaged roads and flooded areas, slowing aid delivery to the most affected communities.
The disaster has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities, including ongoing conflict and displacement caused by armed groups in Cabo Delgado with the spillover effects in some parts of Nampula Province. The region also faces a cholera outbreak and heightened food insecurity, creating a complex and multifaceted crisis. Thousands of families are now without shelter, basic services, or access to clean water, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and protection concerns, particularly for women, children, and persons with disabilities.
The humanitarian community is working to scale up response efforts, focusing on providing emergency shelter, healthcare, clean water, and protection services. However, the scale of destruction highlights the urgent need for additional resources and coordinated efforts to meet the immediate needs of the affected population while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience-building. As assessments continue, these figures and needs are expected to rise.
The findings of Rapid Protection Assessment conducted by UNHCR on 20th December in Chíure, Mecufi, and Metuge indicates on protection concerns of affected population related to lack of civil documentation, GBV, SEA, physical violence, discrimination, child marriage, increased vulnerability of PWSNs, denial of humanitarian assistance, criminality, killing including death by explosive devises incidents, harassment and or verbal abuses by the host community members, armed and security actors and recruitment by armed actors.
This evolving situation underscores the critical importance of strengthening coordination, ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers, and addressing urgent protection concerns to safeguard the well-being of affected populations.