Cyclone Chido’s Wrath: How ShelterBox is Supporting 10,000 Families in Mozambique

Cyclone Leaves Widespread Devastation Across Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across multiple countries, leaving a path of destruction in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte. Mozambique has borne the brunt of the storm, with powerful winds reaching 260 km/h (160mph) and torrential rainfall of 250mm in just 24 hours since the cyclone made landfall on 15th December. Over 600,000 people in Mozambique have been affected.

Northern Mozambique, already struggling with conflict-driven displacement, has been particularly hard-hit. Cabo Delgado, a region facing ongoing instability, is now grappling with yet another crisis.

ShelterBox and CARE Mozambique Deliver Urgent Aid

In response to this disaster, ShelterBox and CARE Mozambique are providing critical support to families uprooted by the cyclone. Sonja Hughes, ShelterBox’s Programme Manager for Mozambique, explained:

“People living in Cabo Delgado already face enormous challenges from the ongoing instability and conflict. Thousands of people have already had to leave their homes and possessions several times to find safety. Now the same people are having to cope with the destruction following Tropical Cyclone Chido.”

ShelterBox, which has been working in Mozambique since 2021, has partnered with CARE Mozambique to assist more than 96,000 people affected by conflict in Cabo Delgado. Now, they are turning their focus to helping over 10,000 individuals impacted by Cyclone Chido.

Through CARE Mozambique, ShelterBox is distributing essential items, including thermal blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, and rechargeable solar lights. These items will support families sheltering in communal spaces, such as schools.

“For many, what little belongings they did have have been damaged or destroyed during the storm,” Sonja added.

Climate Crisis Intensifies Challenges

The impact of Cyclone Chido highlights the growing vulnerability of countries like Mozambique to extreme weather events. Nations with minimal contributions to the climate crisis are facing increasingly severe storms and flooding, often compounded by local conflicts.

Sonja explained how ShelterBox is adapting its operations to respond faster to such emergencies:

“We had aid items stored in the north of Mozambique because of how susceptible it is to extreme weather and other disasters. This allows us to respond more quickly, getting aid to people as soon as possible.

“We’re using the supplies we have pre-positioned to support some of the worst affected communities in the districts of Mecufi and Chiúre.”

The distributed items are crucial in helping families rebuild their lives. Thermal blankets and mats provide warmth during cold nights, kitchen sets enable the preparation of warm meals, mosquito nets offer protection from diseases like malaria, and solar lights ensure visibility after dark.

Scaling Up Relief Efforts

As the scale of destruction becomes clearer, the need for aid continues to grow. ShelterBox is exploring ways to expand its response and bring additional supplies into Mozambique.

The situation on the French island of Mayotte, which was also impacted by the cyclone, is being handled by the French government with no request for international assistance.

About ShelterBox

ShelterBox, headquartered in Truro, Cornwall, provides emergency shelter and essential items to families affected by disasters. Since its founding in 2000, the charity has supported over 3 million people and is Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief. To learn more or support their work, visit ShelterBox’s website.