Cyclone Chido Affects 454,000 People in Mozambique

In December 2024, the World Food Programme (WFP) provided emergency food assistance to nearly 500,000 individuals in Mozambique affected by the Cabo Delgado conflict and Cyclone Chido, which struck on December 15, causing significant destruction and displacing thousands. Cyclone Chido affected approximately 453,971 people, resulting in 120 fatalities and the destruction of over 103,000 homes. The WFP's assistance included food support for refugees and malnutrition management for children and breastfeeding women, while an emergency appeal was launched to mobilize $88 million for cyclone relief. Meanwhile, the Bank of Mozambique's governor indicated that the first quarter of 2025 is likely to see negligible economic growth due to social unrest, though a recovery is expected in subsequent quarters. The bank also announced measures to enhance liquidity in the economy by reducing interest rates and mandatory reserve coefficients. Overall, the situation remains precarious, with humanitarian needs rising and economic stability under threat due to ongoing crises.