The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says it is working closely with the Government of Mozambique and humanitarian partners to provide immediate assistance.

"In the first 48 hours, UNHCR provided assistance at the largest accommodation center in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado, where more than 2,600 people received emergency aid and essential items such as blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets and emergency shelter supplies," said agency spokesman Eujin Byun, quoted by "O País".

Preliminary figures from the United Nations indicate that around 190,000 people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, 33 schools have been affected and almost 10,000 houses have been destroyed. In some villages, very few houses remain standing.

Speaking this Tuesday in Geneva, Eujin Byun fears that "Cyclone Chido could signal the start of an intense and destructive rainy season, which has historically brought cyclones and severe flooding to the region".

Tropical cyclone Chido hit the north of the country at the weekend, bringing torrential rain and strong winds that devastated communities in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula.

The phenomenon destroyed homes, displaced thousands of people and severely damaged roads and communication networks, hampering relief efforts.