© Claudia K. Giglio pour Action contre la Faim
Headline
Cyclone Chido : our response in Indian Ocean
On 14 December, cyclone Chido crossed the Indian Ocean, impacting the archipelago of Mayotte, 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 shocks.
The gusts of wind were particularly violent in Mayotte, placing this French department in an absolute emergency. Although the impact is significant, particularly for the most vulnerable part of the population, local partners, civil society organizations and the authorities are actively mobilizing and coordinating their efforts.
In view of this already large-scale mobilization, Action contre la Faim is not providing direct operational support for this emergency but, as an expert humanitarian player in emergency situations, is closely monitoring developments in 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. The winds and rain damaged power grids and destroyed 50 0000 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 centre and south of the country.
“Cabo Delgado is one of the poorest region of the country, suffering, on top of poverty, unemployment, etc.from violent attacks of insurgent groups and the resulting displacement of the population”, explains Claudia K. Giglio, Deputy Country Director of Action contre la Faim in Mozambique.
“The passage of Cyclone Chido is a double blow for the Mozambican population of this region, which is home to the largest number of displaced people, living in very precarious and vulnerable conditions”, she explains.
To meet the needs, with the financial support of DG-ECHO, USAID/BHA and SIDA, Action contre la Faim teams are stepping up their emergency operations in the Mecufi district in the Natuco community, which has been particularly hard hit.
© Action contre la Faim Mozambique
© José Machaiche pour Action contre la Faim
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 as tarpaulin, blankets, mosquito nets etc..). The rehabilitation of water points as well as the construction of latrines with local resources (material and staff) are currently ongoing.
The challenge of access to water is particularly important in health center, as it was the case even before the cyclone. Since Chido hit the region, a lot of health infrastructure are completely destroyed, walls, roofs, buildings have collapsed.
In order to support the health authorities and with the financial support of CDC-S (Centre de Crise et de Soutien du Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires Etrangères), ACF teams carried out activities at Nanlia health Facility in the Metuge district by cleaning and organising the place for patients.
Mozambique
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