Malawi Prepares for Devastation as Tropical Cyclone Chido Approaches

Malawi is on high alert for Tropical Cyclone Chido, which is expected to bring heavy rain and floods to the southern regions of the country. Storm warnings indicate wind speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour and potential landfall near Mozambique. Evacuations are being advised in flood-prone areas as agencies prepare for disaster response efforts amid ongoing food shortages caused by El Niño.

Malawi is currently on high alert as it braces for the imminent impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which meteorological experts predict will result in substantial rainfall and flooding, particularly in the southern regions of the country. The cyclone, tracked northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, has sustained maximum winds of 250 kilometers per hour and is anticipated to maintain this intensity through Saturday afternoon while gradually moving westward at 22 kilometers per hour.

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has indicated that Cyclone Chido is forecasted to traverse 11 districts in southern Malawi, including Mangochi, Machinga, Phalombe, and Blantyre. The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Nacala in Mozambique on Sunday and will likely bring heavy rain and flooding to affected areas until Tuesday. Chipiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, has urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate and move to higher ground in anticipation of the cyclone’s arrival. “We have alerted all [district] councils and activated all clusters for swift preparatory and anticipatory actions,” Khamula stated.

In light of the cyclone, Malawi is taking proactive measures, including collaboration with emergency services such as the Malawi Defense Force and the Malawi Red Cross Society to deploy search-and-rescue teams. It is notable that Tropical Cyclone Chido follows last year’s devastating Cyclone Freddy, which resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and significant crop and livestock losses across southern Malawi, as well as impacting neighboring countries like Madagascar and Mozambique.

Additionally, Malawi is presently coping with the adverse effects of El Niño, leading to drought and food shortages for more than a quarter of its 20 million population. Paul Turnbull, the country director for the World Food Program (WFP) in Malawi, confirmed the availability of food stocks intended for those affected by El Niño conditions. Turnbull emphasized, “These stocks were mainly intended to be food assistance for people affected by El Nino as the requirement for El Nino persists.”

Should it become necessary to provide food aid in response to Cyclone Chido, WFP is planning to seek funds to ensure that El Niño support is not compromised. The organization also holds resources such as boats, which may assist in food delivery and rescue operations following potential flooding.

Tropical Cyclone Chido poses a significant threat to Malawi, a country that is still recovering from the devastation of Cyclone Freddy, which occurred a year ago and resulted in severe casualties and loss of agricultural resources. The country is also facing challenges related to El Niño, which has exacerbated food insecurity, affecting nearly a quarter of the population. With this backdrop, governmental and non-governmental agencies are gearing up for potential disaster response, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.

In summary, Malawi is facing severe weather challenges as Tropical Cyclone Chido approaches, bringing the likelihood of heavy rain and flooding to southern districts. Authorities are mobilizing disaster response strategies, while the nation also grapples with the impacts of prior cyclones and El Niño-induced food shortages. Proactive measures, including evacuations and food relief preparations, are essential to mitigate the potential devastation from this natural disaster.

Original Source: www.voanews.com