Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique in December, affecting thousands of families in a humanitarian crisis situation, now aggravated by the consequences left by this and other meteorological phenomena, especially in the north of the country.
In response, Alliance2015 member Ayuda en Acción has launched a series of interventions to support vulnerable communities. This article explores efforts to address challenges in shelter, water and sanitation, while strengthening resilience for the future.
Collaboration with humanitarian and governmental organisations is proving key to coordinating efforts and reaching the most vulnerable communities. Ayuda en Acción is also working together with Alliance2015 members ACTED and HELVETAS, strengthening coordination and maximising resources on the ground.
The effects of Cyclone Chido
Chido was no ordinary cyclone. It was a monster with winds in excess of 260 km/h and torrential rains that lasted for days. One of the worst natural disasters in Mozambique’s recent history, it left behind a desolate scene:
– More than 100,000 people displaced, forced to seek shelter in makeshift camps or simply sleep in the open air.
– 85% of infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Cyclone Chido, including schools, hospitals and roads, 52 medical centres and 250 schools destroyed.
– An alarming outbreak of cholera and malaria, caused by lack of safe drinking water and poor sanitation conditions.
– 670,000 people directly affected and 120 who have lost their lives. Thousands more face hunger, disease and an uncertain future in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido.
Rebuilding Homes
The loss of homes and community infrastructure has left thousands in need of urgent assistance. Through collaborative planning, Ayuda en Acción and its partners distributed more than 1,600 shelter kits, including tarpaulins, ropes and tools for rebuilding homes.
In its interventions, Ayuda en Acción incorporates innovative solutions. In this case, in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, local materials such as bamboo are being explored for shelter construction. This reduces costs and dependence on external materials. This initiative fosters local development and contributes to sustainable solutions in line with the recommendations of the Global Shelter Cluster.
Access to Safe Water
Water scarcity poses a serious risk, especially for preventing diseases such as cholera. To address this problem, Ayuda en Acción led the repair of water pumps in the affected areas, directly benefiting hundreds of families.
In this area of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), we have also distributed kits with essential products such as soap, water purifiers and toothbrushes, as well as initiating the repair of damaged water pumps to improve access to safe drinking water and prevent cholera outbreaks.
Creating safe spaces
Insecurity in Cabo Delgado, exacerbated by socio-political tensions and acts of vandalism, has delayed the distribution of aid in localities such as Ntocota and Nicavaco. To overcome these challenges, Ayuda en Acción continues to strengthen collaboration with community leaders and promote respect for the humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality. These actions are being instrumental in re-establishing operations in affected areas.
So-called ‘safe places’ have also been activated in this emergency. They provide essential protected environments for the organised distribution of resources, thus minimising any risk of violence and facilitating community participation.
Humanitarian action in emergencies
Ayuda en Acción follows a triple nexus approach strategy, which integrates immediate humanitarian response with longer-term sustainable development initiatives. This allows assistance to serve as a basis for durable solutions that strengthen resilience and foster local development. In Mozambique, the provision of temporary shelter is linked to the construction of sustainable infrastructure to improve housing security and access to basic services.
To continue the response, Ayuda en Acción has launched a campaign inviting donors and partners to join efforts to support the reconstruction of the affected areas, which are also suffering the effects of tropical storm Dikeledi, which made landfall on 13 January. Coordinated humanitarian actors in this emergency are expected to distribute aid to more than 1,500 affected families in the coming weeks.
To learn more about the campaign, visit www.ayudaenaccion.org or follow Ayuda en Acción on social media.
The situation in Cabo Delgado highlights the need for continued collaboration and global support.
Alliance2015 urges the international community to come together to address these challenges.
