Cyclone Chido: Our Response in the Indian Ocean
On December 14, Cyclone Chido crossed the Indian Ocean, affecting the Mayotte archipelago, the Comoros and, more recently, northern Mozambique. This tropical cyclone of unprecedented intensity caused considerable damage in this part of the Indian Ocean, which is particularly vulnerable to climatic disturbances.
Wind gusts were particularly violent in Mayotte, placing this French department in an absolute emergency situation. Although the impact is significant, especially for the most vulnerable part of the population, local partners, civil society organizations and authorities are actively mobilizing and coordinating their efforts.
In view of this already large-scale mobilization, Action Against Hunger is not providing direct operational support for this emergency but, as an expert humanitarian actor in emergency situations, is closely following the evolution of needs and coordination on the ground.
In Mozambique, in the Cabo Delgado region in the far north of the country, the cyclone, with devastating winds of up to 260 km/h and torrential rains, hit the provinces of Niassa and Nampula, killing more than a hundred people, injuring more than 700 and affecting 700,000 people. Winds and rains damaged power grids and destroyed 50,000 houses.
Mozambique, like other countries in the Southern African region, such as Madagascar and Zimbabwe, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The country is regularly hit by cyclones in the center and south of the country.
“Cabo Delgado is one of the poorest regions of the country, suffering, in addition to poverty, unemployment, etc., from violent attacks by insurgent groups and the resulting displacement of the population,” explains Claudia K. Giglio, Deputy Director of Action Against Hunger in Mozambique.
“The passage of Cyclone Chido is a double blow for the Mozambican population in this region, which is home to the largest number of displaced people, living in very precarious and vulnerable conditions,” he explains.
To address the needs, with financial support from DG-ECHO, USAID/BHA and SIDA, Action Against Hunger teams are intensifying their emergency operations in the Mecufi district, in the community of Natuco, which has been particularly hard hit.
The most urgent needs and priorities are shelter, including non-food items, food and access to clean and safe water in the most affected areas. Our team is distributing 2,200 survival kits (including food, hygiene products and shelter kits such as tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, etc.). Water points are currently being rehabilitated and latrines are being built with local resources (material and personnel).
The problem of access to water is especially important in health centers, as was already the case before the cyclone. Since Chido hit the region, many health infrastructures have been completely destroyed, walls, roofs and buildings have collapsed.
To support the health authorities and with the financial support of the CDC-S (Centre de Crise et de Soutien du Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires Etrangères), Action Against Hunger teams carried out activities at the Nanlia health center in the Metuge district, cleaning and organizing the place for patients.
