The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed on Monday that over 272,000 people in Mozambique are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance following the severe damage and devastation wreaked by Tropical Cyclone Chido just two weeks ago.
The cyclone resulted in at least 120 fatalities, hundreds of injuries, and widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes, according to Mozambique’s Institute for Disaster Management.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that the humanitarian situation in Mozambique is worsening due to the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado province, where more than 1.1 million people require urgent aid.
Mozambique is also grappling with a complex political crisis after the October 9 general elections which were marred by tensions when the Constitutional Council announced controversial results declaring the ruling FRELIMO party the winner.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in the country, urging political leaders to exercise calm and restraint.
Guterres called on all parties involved to “reduce tensions, engage in constructive dialogue, work towards judicial reforms, and refrain from acts of violence to ensure a peaceful resolution of the conflict, safeguarding Mozambique’s future and stability.”