In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which battered parts of southern Africa including Mozambique, Comoros, and Malawi, a coordinated wave of emergency aid and humanitarian assistance has been mobilized. From large international agencies to national governments and community-based groups, the response reflects an urgent commitment to support affected populations through the critical recovery phase.
Cyclone Chido left a trail of destruction across vulnerable regions, displacing thousands, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting essential services. Immediate needs have included food, shelter, clean water, and medical assistance, especially in remote and flood-prone areas. Multiple organizations have stepped in to meet these needs through coordinated relief operations.
International Agencies Launch Emergency Aid Programs
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has played a central role, launching an Emergency Appeal to support humanitarian operations in Mozambique, Malawi, Madagascar, and Comoros. Their response includes the distribution of essential household goods, cash assistance to families, and increased community preparedness for future weather events. Local Red Cross teams are actively involved in search and rescue operations, helping locate and assist stranded residents.
Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has delivered critical aid to over 2,600 people in temporary shelters in Pemba, Mozambique. This includes sleeping mats, blankets, and other necessities that help families endure displacement in overcrowded, makeshift conditions.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has stepped in with large-scale food distribution efforts, ensuring that vulnerable families have access to nutritious meals in affected provinces. Their work includes mobilizing logistics and transport—especially in hard-to-reach regions where roadways have been damaged or flooded.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is managing real-time updates and emergency coordination. Their flash reports provide situational awareness for the global relief network and ensure rapid decision-making based on the evolving needs of the region.
IsraAID, an international NGO, is focusing on sanitation and hygiene by distributing hygiene kits and restoring access to clean water. Their teams are working alongside local partners to support community-based health initiatives and prevent disease outbreaks in cyclone-affected zones.
Other key players include ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) and CARE International, both of which are utilizing U.S. government-funded grants to provide shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene support in devastated areas of Mozambique. These agencies are also helping to install temporary facilities and coordinate with local leadership to improve shelter conditions for displaced families.
National Governments Respond with Urgency
In Mozambique, government agencies have led early warning and evacuation campaigns, working closely with humanitarian actors to minimize loss of life. Authorities activated emergency shelters and coordinated the rapid distribution of food and non-food items across flood-impacted districts. Coordination efforts have also focused on rebuilding critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health posts.
In Comoros, authorities have collaborated with the World Bank to launch an immediate response framework. Relief supplies including food rations, drinking water, and temporary shelters were dispatched swiftly following the storm’s landfall. Damage assessments are ongoing, with plans to rebuild homes and restore disrupted power and water supplies.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is actively supporting emergency response operations in Mozambique. As reported by the U.S. Embassy, funding is being directed toward shelter, hygiene, and clean water initiatives, in collaboration with multiple on-ground NGOs. USAID’s coordination with ADRA and CARE ensures efficient use of resources and broader regional impact.
Key Relief Activities on the Ground
The emergency response in Mozambique, Comoros, and Malawi has focused on several key areas:
1. Distribution of Emergency Supplies
Thousands of families have received packages that include food staples, clean water, blankets, mosquito nets, plastic sheeting, and sleeping mats. These items are crucial for displaced people who have lost homes and personal possessions in the storm.
2. Temporary Accommodation Centers
Displacement camps and community centers have been converted into emergency shelters for families rendered homeless. In Pemba, over 2,600 people are staying in such centers, supported by UNHCR and the local Red Cross.
3. Search and Rescue Operations
Red Cross and other first responders are engaged in active rescue missions, reaching flood-affected villages by boat and land. These teams are helping reconnect families, treat injuries, and transport those in critical condition to health centers.
4. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
In collaboration with IsraAID, CARE, and ADRA, WASH efforts are being intensified to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Hygiene kits, portable toilets, and handwashing stations are being distributed in shelters and rural areas.
5. Healthcare and Medical Aid
Mobile medical teams are addressing trauma, infections, and basic health needs in areas where clinics were damaged or overwhelmed. Health partners are also monitoring for signs of cholera and other infectious diseases that could thrive in post-cyclone conditions.
6. Rebuilding Livelihoods
Long-term support efforts are also being planned to assist farmers and fishers whose livelihoods were wiped out. Initiatives will include seed distributions, agricultural tools, and microfinance options for rebuilding income sources.
What’s Next?
Recovery from Cyclone Chido will require sustained international and regional collaboration. The full extent of damage is still being assessed, but early indications suggest a prolonged humanitarian need. The current focus is on stabilizing affected communities, restoring essential services, and protecting public health. However, long-term recovery will depend on continuous funding, community engagement, and investments in resilience.
As climate-driven storms become more frequent and intense, emergency preparedness must go beyond reaction. Agencies are urging the integration of disaster-resilient infrastructure, early-warning education, and local leadership in future planning.
Conclusion
The response to Cyclone Chido shows the importance of rapid coordination, global solidarity, and localized action. With help from international organizations, national governments, and dedicated volunteers, thousands of lives are being supported during this critical recovery phase. The resilience of the people, paired with the commitment of humanitarian partners, is shaping a path toward healing and rebuilding after one of the region’s most recent and devastating natural disasters.
