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Cyclone Chido: A New Chapter in Mozambique's Climate Crisis

Maputo, 17 December - In the early hours of December 15, 2024, Cyclone Chido tore through northern Mozambique with sustained winds exceeding 200 km/h and over 250 mm of rainfall in a single day. Classified as a Category 4 cyclone, it caused significant destruction in the region. The heavy rainfall and intense winds  from Cyclone Chido have affected multiple districts in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, impacting an estimated 1.3 million people in Mozambique.. IOM and our partners are supporting the Government of Mozambique on the ground, conducting needs assessments and coordinating IOM’s early response.

Initial assessments indicate widespread damage to infrastructure, including homes, schools, and health facilities, with many areas experiencing power outages and disrupted communications. According to INGD, as of 17 December 2024, Cyclone Chido's landfall has resulted in 34 deaths and 319 injuries.

"When the storm ended, we walked through ruins—our home destroyed, and streets littered with danger. A flying roof even took a neighbor’s life,” says Hamsa, a vegetable seller. “I shared all the food I had with others, but now I have nothing left—not for my family, not to restart my business. We need help to rebuild, to stand on our feet again.”

During the preparedness phase, IOM, in coordination with Mozambique’s National Disaster Risk Management Institute (INGD) and Shelter Cluster partners, identified 21 school-based displacement sites to relocate people from high-risk areas. Sites were reinforced, dedicated areas for separated families and children included, Non-food Items (NFI) provided, and a relocation plan developed with INGD prioritizing vulnerable households.

“Misinformation and hesitation to evacuate posed significant challenges in moving people to safety,” said an IOM staff member involved in community engagement during the preparedness phase.

Since landfall, IOM and its partners have been working to assess damages and coordinate early responses. Mobile medical teams have been deployed to provide essential health care, and emergency tents stocked with critical medicines have been set up in affected areas. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives are also underway, including the distribution of hygiene kits and 4,000 bottles of Certeza water purification solution. Preparation for the distribution of emergency shelter kits and NFIs is ongoing for immediate release after the assessment. The stocks ready for distribution include blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, tool kits, sleeping mats and tarpaulins. To address limited electricity, IOM has also provided flashlights in the accommodation centers. Additionally, measures to prevent and respond to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) are being reinforced to safeguard affected communities.  

“Cyclone Chido has left devastation in its wake, compounding the immense challenges already faced by communities in northern Mozambique,” said Laura Tomm-Bonde, IOM Chief of Mission. “Our teams are on the ground, working tirelessly to provide immediate relief and ensure that no one is left behind. As we confront this crisis, we remain committed to supporting the recovery and resilience of affected communities, knowing that their strength and courage will guide the path forward.”

Chido’s destruction amplifies an already dire situation in northern Mozambique, where displaced communities face heightened vulnerabilities. With damaged infrastructure, access to clean water and basic health services has been disrupted, raising concerns of a cholera outbreak in a region already battling an epidemic.

The cyclone’s impact also underscores the growing threat of climate change. Mozambique, with its vast coastline and dependence on agriculture, is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. Over recent years, the country has endured a string of extreme weather events, from Cyclone Idai in 2019, which displaced thousands of people to droughts this year in the southern and central regions.

Each new storm compounds existing challenges. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and intensifying cyclones have made life increasingly precarious for millions, particularly in the north, where conflict and displacement are already widespread.

The response to Cyclone Chido faces significant challenges. Low levels of multisectoral stocks and supplies risk delaying the timely delivery of humanitarian aid, while damaged communication networks have hindered data collection and assessments, particularly in remote rural areas. To compound these issues, ongoing non-state armed groups (NSAGs) attacks in Cabo Delgado add another layer of complexity, further straining operational capacities in an already fragile context.

Despite the challenges, as Mozambique begins its recovery from Cyclone Chido, the focus remains on restoring essential services, ensuring displaced populations' safety, and building resilience against future climate shocks.

IOM is appealing for funding to scale up its response and meet the urgent needs of affected communities.

For more details about IOM’s response, please contact:

Maputo:  Haruka Ueda, hueda@iom.int, Amanda Nero, anero@iom.int

Pretoria:  Abibo Ngandu, angandu@iom.int