Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impact and Response in Southern Africa
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, bringing devastating winds and rainfall, impacting over 2 million people in Mozambique and Malawi. The cyclone is expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17, while the UN coordinates assistance for affected populations. Heavy rainfall forecast raises concerns for flooding in the region.
On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, striking near Pemba with winds reaching 260 km/h and resulting in heavy rainfall measuring up to 250 mm in a 24-hour period. The cyclone has impacted various regions of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with significant concerns regarding infrastructure damage and potential flooding. Over 1.7 million people in Mozambique and 440,000 in Malawi are projected to be affected. The cyclone is expected to impact southern Malawi through December 16 before dissipating near Zimbabwe. The international community, including the UN, is coordinating efforts to assist affected populations and to monitor the situation closely. Preliminary reports from the Comoros, where Chido caused limited flooding, indicated minor injuries and infrastructure damage. Enhanced rainfall is anticipated across several Southern African nations due to this cyclone and other weather systems, potentially leading to flash floods and mudslides.
Tropical Cyclone Chido developed in the southeastern Indian Ocean, forming on December 7 and intensifying to a Category 4 cyclone by December 10. It traversed the Indian Ocean, approaching Madagascar and impacting the Comoros shortly before making landfall in Mozambique. Given its trajectory, Chido poses a significant threat to multiple regions, with the potential for severe weather including destructive winds and heavy rain contributing to floods and infrastructural disruptions. The effects of recent cyclones have increased the regional vulnerability to such natural disasters, warranting ongoing monitoring and emergency preparedness operations.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido is profound, with immediate consequences for millions in Mozambique and Malawi amidst the severe weather conditions. Preparations and rapid response efforts by governmental and international partners are critical in mitigating risk and facilitating recovery. The forecasted heavy rains raise ongoing concerns about potential flooding, emphasizing the need for continuous weather monitoring and community resilience initiatives in the Southern Africa region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
