Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado struggle to rebuild in wake of Cyclone Chido

Months after Cyclone Chido tore through northern Mozambique, communities in Cabo Delgado continue to grapple with its devastating aftermath. The Category 3 storm, which struck in December 2024, impacted more than 100,000 people across the districts of Pemba, Mecúfi, and Chiúre, leaving widespread destruction, displacement, and an ongoing humanitarian crisis. 

A needs assessment conducted after the cyclone has revealed that almost 31,000 families were directly affected by the storm, many of whom lost their homes and livelihoods. Schools, a cornerstone of community stability, suffered extensive damage, disrupting education for over 11,000 students and 160 teachers. The destruction of classrooms, administrative buildings, and sanitation facilities has been delaying the start of the 2025 academic year. 

The assessment underscores the pressing need for emergency shelter, school reconstruction, psychosocial support for students and educators, and the provision of educational materials. As a short-term solution, temporary learning spaces have been proposed while efforts to rebuild more permanent structures continue. 

In the Natuco community, survivors recount their experiences of the storm’s destruction and their struggles in its wake. 

Laurinda António, a 14-year-old student, remembers the terrifying night the cyclone struck: 

“It started with light rain, but within minutes, strong winds and heavy downpours destroyed our home. We had to seek refuge with neighbors. I was scared of losing my family and everything we had.” 

Despite her hardships, Laurinda remains determined: “Without classrooms, I cannot study, and the nearest school is 8 km away. We children want to learn, not be forced into early marriage. We need our school back.” 

Fifteen-year-old Luisa Calton echoes similar fears for her future: 

“We lost everything—our house, food, clothes, and even our school supplies. My dream is to become a nurse and help my community, but how can I study if there is no school?” 

For Eliza Mário, a 40-year-old farmer and mother of five, the cyclone was catastrophic: 

“We now live in makeshift shelters built from the remains of our home. My husband is seriously ill, and we have no stable source of income. Our children need food, education, and a safe place to live.” 

Julieta Fernando, a mother of seven, laments the destruction of the only school in Natuco: 

“The children’s future is at stake. Without a school, how will they learn? How will they break free from poverty?” 

As WeWorld we have been present in the country since 2000, after cyclone Chidowe we are working to mobilise resources to address urgent needs, including emergency shelter, food assistance, clean water, and school rehabilitation. Key interventions include rebuilding classrooms, providing school kits, and implementing water sanitation programs to prevent disease outbreaks. 

As part of a long-term recovery strategy, the organization is advocating for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness programs. Plans include establishing risk management committees in schools and promoting safer housing construction to mitigate the impact of future storms. 

The people of Cabo Delgado are rebuilding, but they cannot do it alone. We remain committed to supporting these communities at every stage of recovery. As the region works to restore normalcy, the organization calls on humanitarian partners and donors to contribute to rebuilding lives and strengthening resilience.