“I wasn’t scared this time” – Stories of survival from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique
By Beatriz Chalucuane
"We hid under a fallen tree,” recalled José, a resident of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province. “There were no other trees or houses nearby, so we felt safe there."
José is one of many affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made landfall in northern Mozambique on 15 December. Originally from Mucojo village in Macomia District, José now lives as a displaced person in Mecufi District.
José has endured the wrath of cyclones before. During Cyclone Idai, he witnessed widespread devastation in his home village. Reflecting on his experiences, he shared how his perspective had changed: "I wasn’t scared this time. I had already learned from [Cyclone] Idai in Mucojo village [in 2019]."
When Cyclone Chido struck, José was prepared. He rallied his neighbours, and together they sought safety under a fallen tree, staying there until the storm passed.
Atija, 15, lives with her parents and four younger siblings. Just like José, the cyclone left them without a roof over their heads. Using sticks and a sheet, they managed to construct a makeshift shelter—a fragile yet essential semblance of home.
“We have suffered so much,” said Atija. “We have nothing—not even a home.” Her words carry the weight of her family’s struggle but also reveal their strength and resolve to rebuild.
Rising humanitarian needs
The number of people affected by Cyclone Chido continues to rise, with assessments revealing the extent of the destruction.
According to Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Management, as of 27 December 2024, 453,971 people (90,513 families) had been affected across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, Tete, Manica, and Sofala provinces. Cabo Delgado and Nampula account for 98 per cent of the affected population.
Widespread destruction of infrastructure has been reported, with about 70,400 houses destroyed and 32,200 damaged. Additionally, 52 health units were damaged, severely restricting access to routine and emergency medical care in affected districts.
Within just 12 days of the cyclone's landfall, more than 77,000 people received assistance. This was made possible by reallocating resources initially meant for conflict response.
In support of the Government-led efforts, humanitarian organizations in Mozambique have launched the Tropical Cyclone Chido Flash Appeal. The appeal seeks to mobilize US$88 million to scale up operations and meet the urgent needs of 320,000 people, including 156,000 women and girls, directly impacted by the cyclone.