UN Warns of Humanitarian Crisis After Cyclone Chido Strikes Mozambique
In southern Malawi, the storm also caused infrastructure destruction, with UNHCR pre-positioning shelter kits to support government-led response efforts.
MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE— The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned of severe humanitarian consequences following Tropical Cyclone Chido's devastating passage through northern Mozambique, writes Charles Mangwiro.
Preliminary UN data reveals approximately 190,000 people urgently need humanitarian assistance, with 33 schools damaged and nearly 10,000 homes destroyed across Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces.
"In the first 48 hours, UNHCR assisted at the largest accommodation centre in Pemba, capital of Cabo Delgado, where more than 2,600 people received emergency aid and essential items," said UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun.
The cyclone brought torrential rain and strong winds over the weekend, demolishing infrastructure, displacing thousands, and severely damaging roads and communication networks.
"Cyclone Chido could signal the start of an intense and destructive rainy season," Byun warned, speaking from Geneva.
Before hitting Mozambique, the cyclone caused significant damage in Mayotte, a French overseas territory, resulting in fatalities and increased risks for vulnerable populations, including asylum-seekers and refugees.
UNHCR is coordinating with the Mozambican government and humanitarian partners to provide immediate relief, distributing blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, and emergency shelter supplies.
In southern Malawi, the storm also caused infrastructure destruction, with UNHCR pre-positioning shelter kits to support government-led response efforts.