On December 17, UNICEF reported that Cyclone Chido caused extensive damage in Mozambique’s northern coastal province of Cabo Delgado, affecting over 90,000 children and destroying 35,000 homes. The storm made landfall on Sunday near Pemba, the regional capital, damaging 186 classrooms, 20 health facilities, as well as critical infrastructure, including electricity and communication systems.
Cabo Delgado is already severely impacted by an ongoing insurgency involving extremist groups, including militants aligned with ISIS, which has displaced 1.3 million people. The region now faces additional challenges, including an increased risk of waterborne diseases amid a cholera outbreak. The cyclone also affected the southern province of Nampula and the western Niassa province, leaving 25,000 families without power and damaging two water facilities.
Mozambique, highly vulnerable to climate shocks, faces worsening food insecurity, with 3.3 million people projected to reach crisis levels in 2025. UNICEF is coordinating with the government and partners to provide emergency aid but urgently requires $10 million to support affected communities.