Cyclone Chido Batters Northern Mozambique: Coastal Communities and Schools Bear the Brunt

By António Massipa

Memba, Mozambique – Cyclone Chido unleashed its fury across northern Mozambique, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Memba district in Nampula province was particularly hard hit, with coastal communities facing the full force of the storm's violent winds and torrential rain.

“The winds were super strong during the night,” says Gaspar, a World Vision employee based in Memba. Residents awoke to scenes of devastation, with homes flooded, roofs damaged, and fishing boats smashed to pieces. “A neighbour said that a family nearby almost died; the seawater flooded their yards,” Gaspar adds, highlighting the perilous situation for those living near the coast.

As the cyclone intensified, fear gripped the residents of Memba. “I see that those who are near the beach are suffering the most, with more intense rain and wind,” says Norta, another World Vision employee, emphasizing the vulnerability of coastal communities. The force of the waves destroyed many fishing boats, leaving countless fishermen without their livelihoods.

Among the casualties of Chido’s wrath was a local primary school, reduced to rubble by the storm's ferocity. This devastating loss affects nearly 600 pupils, including 100 children registered under World Vision's sponsorship programme. “The destruction of this school is a significant setback for the children in our village,” laments Amina João, the school's headmistress. While schools are currently closed for the holidays, the extensive damage threatens to disrupt the upcoming academic year, depriving children of vital education and a sense of normalcy.

The impact on these children is profound. The loss of this safe haven leaves them feeling vulnerable and exposed. Moreover, the school served as a hub for essential services, including World Vision's sponsorship programme, which provides crucial support to vulnerable children. The cyclone's destruction disrupts these vital programmes, hindering efforts to reach those most in need.

Despite the challenges, the community remains resilient. “We are committed to working with the community and local authorities to mitigate the potential disruption to these children's education next year,” says Amina João, underscoring the determination to restore a sense of stability and hope.

According to the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM), Cyclone Chido has now weakened to a Severe Tropical Storm after making landfall in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. While it is expected to weaken further as it progresses inland, it continues to pose a threat, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Malawi.

With the looming threat of flooding, communities are being urged to exercise vigilance and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. World Vision is collaborating closely with local authorities to conduct rapid needs assessments and provide essential support to affected communities in both Memba district, in Nampula, and Pemba, in Cabo Delgado.