Impact and Response to Tropical Cyclone Chido in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, bringing winds up to 260 km/h and heavy rain, affecting millions in Mozambique and Malawi. The cyclone is expected to weaken by December 17 while causing significant rainfall across Southern Africa, with implications for flooding. Humanitarian agencies are mobilizing to assist affected populations as damage reports emerge from multiple provinces.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, impacting areas with significant winds of up to 260 km/h and heavy rains exceeding 250 mm within a 24-hour period. The cyclone struck approximately 35-40 kilometers south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province. As Cyclone Chido moves, remnants of the system are anticipated to influence southern Malawi and further dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17. The projected path may affect over 1.7 million individuals in Mozambique and 440,000 in Malawi, prompting the UN and humanitarian partners to assist in assessments and preparation efforts.

In Mozambique, the provinces particularly at risk include Cabo Delgado and Nampula, where preliminary reports indicate damage to structures and infrastructure. The local humanitarian response has escalated, with efforts being directed among affected regions. Communication breakdowns have occurred in Pemba, although power remains operational in certain areas. Other provinces, such as Niassa, Tete, and Zambezia, are likely to experience adverse effects later in the day as the cyclone continues its trajectory.

The trajectory of Cyclone Chido has also affected areas in the Comoros. On December 14, it brought mild wind conditions to the Anjouan, Moheli, and Ngazidja islands, resulting in injuries and displacements on Anjouan. Notably, the search for missing fishermen near Ngazidja concluded successfully. In light of the cyclone, significant rainfall exceeding 150 mm is forecasted across northern Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, raising the risk of flash floods and mudslides.

Furthermore, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services in Malawi is closely monitoring the situation, preparing for rain overrides on December 16 that could reach up to 110 mm in specific regions. Cyclone Chido, which initially formed on December 7 and intensified to a severe category 4 cyclone, has weakened to category 3. The immediate and ongoing humanitarian efforts reflect a concerted response to mitigate adverse outcomes from tropical cyclones in a fragile weather environment.

Tropical Cyclones are significant weather events that pose risks to infrastructure, communities, and ecosystems, especially in regions like Southern Africa. In recent years, increasing cyclone activity has emerged as a pressing concern. As exemplified by Cyclone Chido, these storms can result in devastating winds and rainfall, leading to flooding, structural damage, and humanitarian crises. It is crucial for affected governments and international aid organizations to collaborate closely in monitoring, preparing, and responding to such inevitable natural disasters to minimize their impact on vulnerable populations.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has generated severe weather conditions across Mozambique, Malawi, and the surrounding regions, threatening millions with heavy rainfall and strong winds. The urgency for effective humanitarian response remains paramount as the situation continues to evolve. Continuous monitoring and collaboration among government and international agencies are vital in safeguarding the affected populace and facilitating recovery efforts. The potential for flooding and infrastructure damage necessitates proactive measures to mitigate future risks and support resilience in impacted communities.

Original Source: reliefweb.int