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CONTEXT
On 15 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in the district of Mecufi, Cabo Delgado Province. The cyclone brought destructive winds of up to 120 km/h and torrential rains exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours, causing widespread devastation across northern Mozambique. The provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa were severely impacted, with Tete and northern Zambézia experiencing secondary effects.
According to the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD), as of 17 December, 174 000 people have been affected, with 34 deaths and 319 injuries reported. Over 35 000 homes have been destroyed or partially damaged, alongside critical infrastructure such as schools, health facilities, and water systems. The cyclone’s aftermath has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities, particularly in Cabo Delgado, which continues to grapple with conflict- related displacement and a cholera outbreak.
In Mecufi and Chiure districts in Cabo Delgado province, the damage is near total, with 100 percent of homes affected and health services rendered inoperable. The cyclone’s impact on agriculture has been devastating, with thousands of hectares of crops and seeds of maize, beans, sesame, and cassava lost, leaving communities with depleted food stocks and no immediate means of recovery. In Memba and Erati districts of Nampula province, over 3 600 families have been affected, with substantial damage to fishing assets and livelihoods.
The risk of waterborne diseases, particularly cholera, is heightened by the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure. Disrupted communication and power networks are further hampering the humanitarian response efforts.
With more than 80 percent of Mozambicans relying on agriculture for their food and income, urgent action is needed to support affected households in rebuilding their lives, securing their livelihoods, and restoring access to nutritious food.