Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Widespread Devastation in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, leading to severe weather conditions including strong winds and heavy rainfall. Over 24,000 people have been affected, with significant destruction of homes and infrastructure. The Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated $4 million for immediate humanitarian response. The cyclone has since moved into Malawi, impacting more households and prompting widespread appeals for aid.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has recently made landfall in Mozambique, subsequently affecting Malawi. The cyclone has brought severe weather conditions including strong winds reaching 80 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours, directly impacting the lives of thousands. As a response to this calamity, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has activated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund for urgent humanitarian assistance. Assessment teams face significant challenges due to communication disruptions and obstructed roadways as they work to evaluate the damage across affected regions.
On December 15, Cyclone Chido caused at least one fatality, injured 35 individuals, and left over 24,000 people affected, with more than 5,800 structures destroyed in Mozambique. Preliminary assessments suggest about 160,000 individuals in Cabo Delgado are in need of assistance, with Pemba noted as a particularly vulnerable area housing approximately 150,000 impacted residents. The cyclone has inflicted damage to essential infrastructure including schools and power supply, aggravating the situation further. The situation remains fluid as additional assessments are underway, highlighting the urgent need for support and relief efforts.
By December 16, Cyclone Chido had made its way into Malawi, where around 1,800 households, representing approximately 8,100 individuals, have reported damages due to strong winds and heavy rains. Furthermore, reports indicate a significant impact in various districts, particularly in Machinga and Phalombe, with fatalities noted. Residents of both nations are urged to stay informed through their respective meteorological services due to the cyclone’s lingering effects.

The onset of Tropical Cyclone Chido in December 2024 has triggered extensive humanitarian efforts in Southern Africa, with both Mozambique and Malawi bearing the brunt of this natural disaster. Cyclones in this region pose considerable risks to life and property, often leading to significant socio-economic challenges. Prior to becoming a cyclone, Chido developed as a tropical depression in early December, later escalating rapidly to a Category 4 cyclone during its progression. Weather forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall across multiple southern African countries, compounding the potential for flooding and subsequent relief complications.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation in Mozambique and Malawi, necessitating an urgent humanitarian response amid challenging conditions for assessment teams. With significant infrastructure damage and thousands of families affected, the focus remains on delivering immediate assistance. Continuous weather updates and assistance from governmental bodies remain critical as the cyclone dissipates towards Zimbabwe.

Original Source: reliefweb.int