MSF assessing damage from Cyclone Chido

Regarding the situation in Pemba and Metuge:

The landfall on 15 December of cyclone Chido in Mozambique has created havoc across various areas in the northern part of the country, affecting tens of thousands of people and killing dozens, according to the initial estimates of the authorities.

An MSF emergency team has conducted assessments in Pemba and Metuge districts of Cabo Delgado province, where we were already present responding to the ongoing conflict, and donated 50 emergency kits to the Ministry of Health, including items to treat wounds, suture material and infusion set.

We have identified that several health centres in Metuge have suffered significant damages and are in need of logistical support for rehabilitation. MSF is concerned about the impact that this natural disaster has had on people’s access to clean drinking water and is coordinating with the local authorities to step up the response if needed. Mozambique is a country very vulnerable to the climate crisis and every year suffers the impact of cyclones during this season.

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Regarding the situation in Mayotte:

Médecins Sans Frontières is closely monitoring the situation in Mayotte following the passage of cyclone Chido on December 14. The association is currently gathering information and setting up a team to visit the island as soon as the situation allows, to assess needs and define the scope of a potential intervention. 

​Initial reports indicate a very serious situation on the island, with water and electricity supplies cut off, roads severely damaged, communication difficulties and a serious human toll, the true extent of which remains unknown at this stage. 

​We are particularly worried about the people living in the shantytowns, which have been completely destroyed. The living conditions of these people were already extremely precarious before the cyclone hit. 

​Between May and August 2024, MSF intervened on the island to respond to a cholera epidemic, and developed activities to improve access to water, hygiene and sanitation and support local associations in health promotion on diarrheal diseases and cholera.