Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impact Assessment and Response Efforts in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, with damaging winds and heavy rainfall impacting over 1.7 million people. The cyclone’s remnants are forecasted to affect southern Malawi and Zimbabwe. Humanitarian efforts are mobilizing to address the challenges faced by affected populations amid significant rainfall expected across the region.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, affecting numerous regions with its powerful winds and heavy rainfall. Initially categorized as a Category 4 cyclone, it produced winds reaching 260 km/h and precipitation levels of 250 mm within a 24-hour period. The cyclone’s aftermath is expected to cause severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, in southern Malawi and Zimbabwe, while the situation continues to develop. Affected populations include over 1.7 million people in Mozambique and approximately 440,000 individuals in Malawi. Emergency preparedness and assessment efforts are being coordinated by the United Nations and local authorities.

As of 9 a.m. on December 15, initial damage reports in Mozambique indicate structural impacts and power disruptions, notably in Pemba, where mobile networks are compromised. Other provinces, such as Niassa, Tete, and Zambezia, are also slated for severe weather conditions later in the day. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow updates from national weather services. Meanwhile, in the Comoros islands, some infrastructural damage has been reported, alongside instances of displacement and localized flooding, with victims being accommodated in surrounding communities.

Forecasts predict additional heavy rainfall across northern Mozambique, Malawi, and surrounding regions, with the potential for flash floods and mudslides due to cumulative precipitation exceeding 150 mm over a ten-day period. The Malawian Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) continues to monitor the storm’s trajectory, predicting significant rainfall up to 110 mm in specific areas by December 16.

Background information highlights that Tropical Cyclone Chido began as a tropical depression in early December and intensified as it moved westward, impacting several regions, including Madagascar, before reaching its current position.

Tropical Cyclone Chido presents significant risks to southern Africa, particularly Mozambique and Malawi, with its destructive potential evident from landfall impacts. Cyclones in this region are noteworthy due to their capabilities to cause widespread damage through extreme weather conditions. The anticipated trajectory of Chido suggests continued adverse weather, prompting urgent preparations by humanitarian organizations, including the UN, which aims to support government efforts in managing the crisis and safeguarding vulnerable populations. Observations suggest a pattern of increasingly severe weather events in southern Africa, highlighting the continuing need for disaster preparedness and response strategies.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has posed a considerable threat to Mozambique and Malawi since its landfall on December 15, bringing about severe weather conditions that could lead to significant humanitarian challenges. With over 1.7 million people in Mozambique and 440,000 in Malawi likely affected, timely and coordinated emergency responses are essential to mitigate adverse impacts. Continued monitoring and preparedness are crucial as weather conditions evolve across southern Africa, raising concerns about flooding and infrastructure damage in the coming days.

Original Source: reliefweb.int