The United Nations has announced a $4 million aid package to Mozambique in response to the widespread devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck the country’s coastal regions on Sunday. The funds will address the urgent needs of those affected by the storm, including providing shelter, food, and medical care.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed that more than 174,000 people have been impacted by the cyclone, with at least 34 lives lost and 319 people injured. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and critical infrastructure, including schools and health facilities, has been severely damaged. These losses have left many communities without access to basic services, further complicating the recovery process.
The hardest-hit area is the Nangolo district in northeastern Mozambique, where nearly every building has been damaged or destroyed. “The devastation in Nangolo is overwhelming, with 100% of structures affected. The local health post has been rendered non-operational, leaving the community without essential medical care,” said the UN in a statement.
In addition to the damage in Nangolo, areas like Nalia and Mieze are also facing severe challenges. Approximately 12,500 people in Nalia have been affected by the cyclone, including more than 9,000 women and children. Immediate needs in these areas include food, clean water, and temporary housing.
The destruction of schools and healthcare facilities is having a profound impact on the affected populations. Many children are unable to attend school, and the absence of functioning health services has raised concerns about potential health risks in the coming weeks.
The UN has pledged to work closely with the Mozambican government to assess the full scale of the disaster and mobilize further resources to support recovery efforts. Humanitarian agencies are already on the ground, providing essential aid, but the scale of the damage requires continued international support to ensure that those affected can rebuild their lives and livelihoods.