Tropical Cyclone Chido Hits Mozambique and Malawi, Urgent Relief Underway

Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique and progressed into Malawi, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and extensive infrastructural damage. The storm is expected to dissipate on 17 December. Emergency relief efforts are underway with support from the Central Emergency Response Fund. Heavy rainfall is forecast for the affected regions, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on 15 December 2024, moving into Malawi and bringing with it destructive winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone’s impact has led to fatalities, numerous injuries, and significant damage to infrastructure, including the destruction of over 5,800 homes. As emergency assessments continue amidst communication breakdowns and impassable roads, affected regions, particularly Cabo Delgado, are receiving urgent assistance funded by $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund. As the cyclone advances towards Zimbabwe, heavy rainfall is also anticipated in neighboring regions, raising concerns about potential flash floods and landslides.

Tropical Cyclone Chido reached landfall in Mozambique on 15 December, unleashing winds gusting up to 80 km/h and heavy rainfall surpassing 250 mm within a day. Currently, at least one fatality and 35 injuries have been reported, affecting around 24,102 individuals across 4,835 families. The local capacity to assess the situation is hindered by blocked roads and communication challenges, increasing the need for immediate relief efforts. Leading assessment figures indicate that approximately 160,000 people in Cabo Delgado require assistance, particularly in Pemba, where 150,000 individuals face heightened vulnerabilities.

After crossing into Malawi, the cyclone continues to bring strong winds and rain, affecting 1,800 households, with Machinga district reportedly suffering the most. Moreover, infrastructure damage has impacted essential services, including schools and health facilities, necessitating a coordinated response from humanitarian organizations. As Chido transitions inland, the storm is projected to dissipate by 17 December near Zimbabwe. Given the forecasts of substantial rainfall extending beyond Mozambique, there is a risk of further flooding across several southern African countries.

This report highlights the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which formed in the southeastern Indian Ocean and intensified before making landfall in Mozambique. The cyclone underwent fluctuations in strength, prompting urgent assessments and relief efforts. The humanitarian response is complicated by infrastructural damage and communication failures, necessitating a rapidly coordinated assessment of needs across the affected regions. Public safety and emergency planning are crucial in managing the disaster’s aftermath.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted Mozambique and Malawi, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and widespread damage. With substantial rainfall and potential flooding looming, urgent humanitarian assistance is critical to support the affected communities and infrastructure. The collaborative efforts of governments and humanitarian partners underscore the importance of rapid assessment and response to minimize the cyclone’s adverse effects.

Original Source: reliefweb.int