Mozambique: Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido - Flash Update No. 3, As of 18 December 2024 [EN/PT]

HIGHLIGHTS

• On 15 December, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, bringing heavy rains (up to 250mm/24h) and strong winds (up to 120 km/h).

• At least,182,000 people have been reported as affected but numbers may increase as assessments are completed.

• The response in the most affected areas has started but the level of humanitarian supplies is low.

• The Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated US$4 million from CERF to Mozambique in support of an early humanitarian response.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

On 15 December, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm in 24 hours and strong winds (up to 120 km/h) were reported. Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa are reported to be the most impacted provinces, and to a lesser extent Tete and northern Manica.

According to the latest report from the government, an estimated 182,000 people across the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa were affected by Cyclone Chido. The districts most affected are Mecufi, Pemba, Metuge, Ancuabe, Namuno and Balama. The high winds and torrential rains from the cyclone resulted in 45 deaths (37 in Cabo Delgado, five in Nampula and three in Niassa) and 493 people were injured. More than 35,000 houses were destroyed or damaged. Some 48 health units and 149 schools have sustained damages.

In Nampula Province, a Multi-Cluster/Sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MiRA) begins today and will run until 21 December in Memba, Erati, Mecuburi and Mossuril in Nampula Province.

An assessment in Chiure, Cabo Delgado, on 16 December revealed extensive destruction of homes and public infrastructure, significantly heightening the vulnerability of the district’s population of 371,742 people, including 192,382 women. Chiure district hosts 36,000 IDPs. The findings underscore the urgent need for humanitarian interventions to address critical needs in multiple sectors as reported below:

Shelters and NFIs: Approximately 60 percent of houses lost their roofs, and 40 percent were entirely destroyed, including public buildings such as schools and administrative offices. Of the 14 planned centres, only four are active, all of which suffered severe damage, leaving families without proper shelter.

Health: 70 percent of healthcare workers are unable to work due to cyclone-related impacts, 98 percent of hospital infrastructure is operational, but services like radiology and surgery are nonfunctional due to generator failure. Shortages of medicine and surgical supplies are reported.

Nutrition: Cases of malnourished pregnant women were observed highlighting potential increases in child malnutrition.

Education: Of 142 schools, 23 remain closed as a result of the armed conflicts, and several were damaged by the cyclone.

Protection Many individuals have lost civil documents, limiting access to essential services. In terms of mental health and psychosocial services (MHPSS), only six psychologists are available for the district, despite high levels of distress among the population. Overcrowded shelters and a lack of gender-segregated spaces heighten the risks of gender-based violence.