Malawi is on high alert for Tropical Cyclone Chido, expected to bring severe rain and flooding to the southern regions. The cyclone, with winds of 250 km/h, is projected to affect 11 districts and make landfall near Nacala, Mozambique. Preparations for evacuation and disaster management are underway, while the World Food Program is ready to assist with food supplies as the country copes with the effects of El Niño.
Malawi has entered a state of heightened alert as Tropical Cyclone Chido approaches, threatening to deliver heavy rainfall and flooding to southern regions of the country. Current reports from the Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services indicate that the cyclone, with maximum sustained winds of 250 kilometers per hour, is currently situated northeast of Madagascar and is projected to maintain this intensity as it gradually moves westward.
The cyclone is expected to influence 11 districts in southern Malawi, including Mangochi, Machinga, and Blantyre, making landfall near the coastal area of Nacala in Mozambique by Sunday. Following its passage, substantial rain is anticipated to persist until Tuesday, raising concerns about potential flooding.
Chipiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, emphasized the urgent advice for residents in vulnerable areas to seek higher ground and adhere to evacuation directives. Preparations have been activated at the district council level for coordinated responses to this natural disaster. Specialized search-and-rescue teams from the Malawi Defense Force, the Malawi Police Service, and humanitarian organizations are on standby.
This cyclonic event marks a distressing recurrence, following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Freddy last year, which claimed over 1,000 lives and destroyed vast agricultural resources. Already, Malawi faces challenges stemming from El Niño weather patterns, exacerbating drought and leading to acute food shortages affecting approximately one-quarter of the nation’s population.
The World Food Program (WFP) in Malawi has reported that it possesses adequate food supplies to assist the government during this upcoming crisis. Paul Turnbull, the country director for WFP, conveyed that, should Cyclone Chido prompt food demands, they will seek support to meet these needs without undermining ongoing aid related to El Niño. WFP also stands ready to deploy boats to facilitate food delivery and aid in rescue operations if necessary.
The current situation in Malawi is a critical intersection of severe weather events and humanitarian crises. Tropical Cyclone Chido’s impending arrival adds to the already precarious conditions caused by previous cyclones and ongoing El Niño effects. Cyclone Freddy’s devastating impact last year serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability, as Malawi grapples with its geopolitical and climatic geography in the Indian Ocean region. With 20 million residents, a significant portion of whom are already facing food insecurity due to droughts and food shortages, the approach of Cyclone Chido is poised to exacerbate existing humanitarian challenges.
In summary, Malawi’s alert for Tropical Cyclone Chido signifies a proactive response to an impending natural disaster that could inflict substantial rainfall and flooding. The government and disaster management agencies are mobilizing resources and support to mitigate the cyclone’s impact, particularly given the country’s previous experiences with similar disasters. With El Niño conditions intensifying the need for food security, efforts to assist affected populations will be crucial in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
