Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Extensive Damage in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, causing widespread damage with winds of 80 km/h and over 250 mm of rainfall. The cyclone has destroyed thousands of homes, impacted classrooms, and caused power outages for approximately 2,500 families. After affecting Mozambique, it continues to pose threats to Malawi and potentially Zimbabwe, necessitating ongoing monitoring and disaster response efforts.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, delivering powerful winds reaching 80 km/h, thunderstorms, and over 250 mm of rainfall within a day. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported significant damage, with more than 5,800 homes destroyed, 41 classrooms partially damaged, and power outages affecting approximately 2,500 families. As assessments continue, these figures are anticipated to rise.

In Pemba, communication challenges persist due to unstable mobile services, with residents conserving battery power for essential communication. The cyclone had previously wreaked havoc on the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, where it hit as a Category 4 storm, resulting in total destruction of entire neighborhoods. Furthermore, Chido is advancing into Malawi as a moderate tropical storm, bringing additional rainfall and winds, with forecasts indicating a return to Mozambique before dissipating near Zimbabwe.

Tropical Cyclone Chido exemplifies the increasing severity of cyclonic storms affecting Southern Africa, particularly in light of climate change. Cyclones of this nature tend to bring not only immediate physical destruction but also long-term socio-economic challenges for affected regions. The Southern African Development Community’s response plays a crucial role in managing the aftermath and providing relief to impacted communities. Understanding the trajectory and impact of storms like Chido is essential for improving disaster preparedness and response in the future.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido significantly impacted Mozambique, leaving behind extensive damage and challenging living conditions for thousands of residents. The storm’s progression into Malawi and its return trajectory toward Mozambique and Zimbabwe further complicate relief efforts. Such natural disasters highlight the need for robust emergency response systems and strategies to mitigate the effects of climate-related storms in Southern Africa.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va