The recent humanitarian briefing highlighted urgent concerns for communities in Southern Africa following the devastating impact of tropical cyclone Chido. This powerful storm, classified as a category 4 cyclone, struck Mayotte and Northern Mozambique, bringing heavy rains and destructive winds over the weekend.

In response to the disaster, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources to assess the damage and provide immediate assistance. In Cabo Delgado province, where the cyclone made landfall, efforts began just hours after the storm passed. The World Food Programme has already delivered emergency aid to approximately 500 families who are now in temporary accommodations in the city of Pemba. Additional distributions are underway in the Nampula district as part of an anticipatory action plan.

UNICEF and its partners are also stepping in to provide essential water and sanitation supplies, crucial for preventing disease outbreaks in a region already battling cholera. Preliminary reports indicate that around 140,000 people have been affected by the cyclone in Cabo Delgado, where over a million residents were already in need of assistance due to ongoing conflict.

The most severely impacted districts, including Mikufi and Metuge, are facing urgent needs for shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, health, and protection services. In a bid to support these early response efforts, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher announced the allocation of $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund. However, he emphasized that additional funding is critical to meet the growing needs of the affected populations.

As communities in Southern Africa grapple with the aftermath of cyclone Chido, the call for increased support and resources remains vital to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted.