The Emergency relief Coordinator has allocated US$4 million to Mozambique in support of the early humanitarian response.

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. As of 16 December, the system has moved to Malawi, then Tete province and it is expected to dissipate in Zimbabwe on 17 December. According to the Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM), Cabo Delgado and Niassa will experience consistent rainfall, while Pemba will likely endure strong winds.

According to the National Institute for Natural Disaster (INGD), as of 17 December 2024, a total of 174,158 people were estimated to be impacted, with 34 people dead and 319 injured. More than 35,000 houses were completely or partially destroyed. Additionally, nine schools and ten health units and three energy poles were affected. These figures are likely to increase as more assessments are being completed. Real time information on the impact of Chido is being provided by INGD at the following link: ingd_tableau | Tableau Public.

In Cabo Delgado Province: Mecufi and Chiure district, and the provincial capital, Pemba, have been heavily impacted, followed by Namuno, Montepuez, Metuge, Macomia and Muidumbe. Teams on the ground are reporting significant damages in terms of house destroyed. Current preliminary data from INGD indicate that at least 128,000 people were impacted by Chido and more than 25,000 home were affected. So far, 28 deaths dead and 300 wounded were reported. Several challenges with electricity and internet connection were reported in Cabo Delgado hampering full situational awareness and early response.

The joint-multi agency assessment mission led by INGD with humanitarian partners reported significant protection concerns in the affected areas, particularly related to the lack of civil documentation services. Efforts are needed to raise awareness and disseminate information on prevention and risk mitigation of protection issues within the community.

To ensure safety and support for vulnerable groups, women and girls' safe spaces, child-friendly spaces, and protection desks are acritical priority. In addition, volunteers and community leaders should be targeted to receive orientation on protection measures to better serve the community.

Dignity kits for women and girls, and emergency reproductive health kits are urgently needed along comprehensive protection, GBV, and child protection case management services and the strengthening of referral mechanisms to ensure coordinated and effective response across all sectors.

Specific impact on the districts is as reported below:

Ancuabe

The district has been significantly impacted, requiring a joint multisectoral assessment. However, an initial report from SDPI/INGD provided preliminary information on the destruction, including 17 schools and 60 classrooms, 8 administrative blocks, 67 medium voltage electricity power posts, one health center in Intutupue along with several houses.

Chiure

Approximately 60% of the houses have lost their roofs, with an additional 40% completely destroyed. The impact on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) residing in sites is significant, particularly in Megaruma, where there is no access to water. There is an urgent need for water trucking to support 3,000 families. Around 70% of the population has been affected by the cyclone, leading to widespread power issues across the area. While the medication store remains intact, it is understocked and in desperate need of supplies to meet the ongoing health needs. There are currently four active accommodation centers, but at Kuphe School, over 1,000 people are still hosted with no registration or support provided.

Mecufi

The destruction in the area is near total, with 100% of homes damaged and very few structures still standing. The health system is in a critical state, with medical professionals forced to operate from a school under extremely poor conditions. The lack of proper facilities is severely hampering the ability to deliver effective care. Ambulances, which were previously operational, are now out of commission, leaving the community without vital emergency transport. Additionally, all medical supplies were lost due to exposure to the elements. There is an urgent need for support to safely dispose of these spoiled medications to prevent the risk of their misuse. As of 16 December, 37 injuries had been recorded, with 35 patients referred to Pemba for further treatment. The community urgently needs food, shelter, and NFIs (non-food items) to address immediate survival needs. There is also a pressing need to register affected individuals, particularly those with specific vulnerabilities, to ensure targeted assistance. Finally, restocking essential medication and rebuilding health service capacity are critical priorities.

Murrebue (Mecufi)

The visit observed that 99% of the houses were destroyed, leaving no possibility for the recovery of existing shelters. Only two schools remain intact. A significant concern lies with the local health units, as medication has been exposed to the weather, resulting in the complete loss of the stock. There is an urgent need for support to safely incinerate the spoiled supplies to prevent their use, especially as the health units continue to receive injured individuals. Currently, there are no active accommodation centers to support the displaced population. The most pressing needs are food, shelter/NFIs, registration of people in need and medication to address the ongoing health crisis.

Metuge

The assessment covered Metuge Sede, Nalia, and Mieze. The affected area is accessible only by 4x4 vehicles due to the challenging terrain.In Metuge Sede, approximately 50% of the shelters have been destroyed, leaving significant damage across the area. The medication warehouse and maternity ward have been severely affected. The health center reports only two injured individuals. Accommodation centers were identified, but they are empty.

In Nalia and Mieze, the destruction is even more severe. In Nalia Approximately 12,500 people were affected, including 4,325 women and 5,471 children. The immediate needs in the area include shelter, food, and water. In Mieze, 95% of the schools have been completely destroyed, and the health center reports 12 casualties. The schools in Mieze lost their roofs, and the Naminawe hospital was affected, with the roof of the nursing unit damaged. An accommodation site initially received 2,000 people, but they have already vacated the premises. The priority needs in Mieze include shelter, water, kitchen sets, and food. Additionally, power is critical for water provision.

Nangolo

The devastation in the area is overwhelming, with 100% of structures damaged. The local health post has been rendered inoperable due to severe damage, leaving the community without access to essential medical care. The school, a critical community asset, was completely destroyed. An open, clean area near one of the schools has been identified as a potential site for emergency shelters or tents, offering an opportunity to quickly establish a base for humanitarian response. The community's most urgent needs are shelter, healthcare, and food, as they struggle to recover from the destruction.

Pemba

The affected population, primarily from Paquitequete, a vulnerable neighborhood with a significant presence of IDPs was hosted at the Industrial Institute. Early assessments of shelters in the area reveal that most issues stem from the use of metal sheets for roofing and walls. While many shelters were partially destroyed, none were completely damaged. A further, more detailed assessment is planned to better understand the extent of the damage. As of 16 December, in the aftermath of the cyclone, 949 individuals were registered, and as of December 16, 731 individuals remain in the accommodation centers, with 91% being women and children. WFP and INGD have supported the population with food and firewood for 200 people. UNICEF provided soap and assessed WASH facilities, while UNHCR distributed CRIs to 200 families. IOM activated the CFM to address any feedback or concerns from the displaced population. In line with government guidance, efforts are underway to downscale the operation and encourage the population to return to their homes, as conditions improve.

In Nampula Province:

The number of people affected stands at 46,000. INGD reports that more than 9,000 homes have been partially or destroyed. A total of three deaths and 34 people injured was reported. Memba and Erati are projected to be the most impacted districts, followed by Nacala. There is a concern about the cholera outbreak ongoing in Nampula (at least 200 cases, 20 deaths); heavy rains might deteriorate further the current situation. In Mogovolas cholera cases are on the rise. The Provincial Health Director reported sufficient stockpiles of medicines to address population needs for a period of up to three months. The National Road Network Administration (ANE) reported no major blockages preventing access to any districts in Nampula province. In Memba district, the cyclone affected about 3,682 families with a total of 22,027 people affected, of which: 1,625 houses totally destroyed and 2,057 partially. Destruction of social infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, mosques and churches ahs been reported. Access roads have been damaged making it difficult to evacuate patients and other support resources. There is lack of communication to the Mazua Chipene and Lurio administrative posts, due to poor mobile phone networks. Food, agricultural inputs and the establishment of communication and road repair work are critical priorities. Local authorities and INGD are mobilizing support with its cooperation partners and civil society.

In Niassa Province:

INGD reports 425 people affected, approximately 100 homes were partially affected. Five schools were affected. The number of people dead stands at three. INAM reported that Niassa will continue to experience rainfall. The following information was provided by INGD on the impact as of 16 December:

Metarica

There was partial destruction of a conventionally built classroom at Metarica-Sede Secondary School, impacting 100 students and 12 teachers. Additionally, seven electricity poles fell on the Cuamba-Metarica section, leaving the district without power since the end of yesterday. While there has been damage to houses, detailed data is yet to be gathered.

Nipepe

In Nipepe, 85 houses of precarious construction were partially destroyed, affecting 346 people across 85 families. Nine classrooms, two administrative blocks, Manila Health Center, the Waiting Mother House, and one church were also partially destroyed.

Maua

Mauá district experienced total destruction of two houses made from precarious materials, affecting nine people. Tragically, three deaths occurred due to collapsing walls.

Cuamba

In Cuamba, 29 houses of precarious construction were partially destroyed, affecting 46 people, including 28 women, 18 men, and 6 children.