Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impacts and Preparations Ahead of Landfall in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido is set to hit Pemba on December 15, 2024, as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. Key provinces, including Cabo Delgado and Nampula, will be significantly affected by severe winds and heavy rainfall. Approximately 1.7 million people are at risk, exacerbating an ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula. Urgent preparations are necessary to mitigate the disaster’s impact.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is projected to make landfall in Pemba during the early hours of Sunday, December 15, 2024, as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. The cyclone is expected to severely impact several northern provinces, particularly Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with additional effects in Niassa, Tete, and to a lesser degree, Zambezia. Forecasts indicate heavy rainfall of up to 200mm and wind speeds reaching 120 km/h from December 15 to 17, paralleling the intensity of previous cyclones Gombe (2022) and Freddy (2023).

The WFP-managed Disaster Analysis and Mapping (ADAM) system has revealed that approximately 1.7 million people are at risk, notably including a million individuals in Cabo Delgado who may experience winds exceeding 120 km/h. Ahead of the cyclone, the Government-led Technical Council for Disaster Management convened in Maputo on December 12, asserting that all river basins are currently below alert levels; however, they warned that some basins in vulnerable areas may soon reach those alarm thresholds. In Pemba City, there is heightened concern over urban flooding in specific neighborhoods such as Bairro Cariaco, Alto Chuiba, and others.

Additionally, there are worries that the cyclone could exacerbate the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula, which has reported 283 cases and 21 fatalities as of December 11. The combination of storm conditions and a health crisis poses a significant threat to the affected populations, necessitating immediate attention and preparation.

Tropical Cyclone Chido, anticipated to make landfall amid extreme weather warnings, highlights the vulnerability of several northern provinces in Mozambique. The cyclone’s trajectory invites comparisons with previous storms, underscoring the recurrent nature of such climatic events in the region. As the cyclone’s winds and rain threaten to exacerbate existing public health issues, particularly a cholera outbreak, understanding the scope of the disaster is integral for effective disaster management and response efforts.

Tropical Cyclone Chido poses a serious threat to northern Mozambique, with millions of individuals at risk of severe weather impacts. The impending storm is expected to bring extreme rainfall and wind speeds that could have catastrophic effects, particularly in urban areas. The potential for increased cholera transmission amid this disaster highlights the urgency for comprehensive preparedness and a coordinated response from both government and humanitarian organizations to safeguard affected populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int