Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, as a Category 4 storm, featuring winds of 260 km/h and heavy rains. The cyclone is set to impact southern Malawi before dissipating near Zimbabwe. While the cyclone wreaked havoc in Mozambique, effects were also felt in the Comoros. Humanitarian efforts are underway to assess damages and prepare for further heavy rainfall across Southern Africa.
On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, unleashing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone hit near Pemba city as a Category 4 storm, producing wind gusts of up to 260 km/h and 250 mm of rain in just 24 hours. The affected areas include Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, with preliminary reports indicating damage to infrastructure and homes. Meanwhile, the cyclone’s remnants are expected to impact southern Malawi with heavy rain and gusty winds before dissipating near Zimbabwe by December 17.
Chido initially developed as a tropical depression in early December, strengthening to a severe Category 4 cyclone before weakening slightly prior to landfall. Significant rainfall exceeding 150 mm is also forecast for southern African regions, which could result in flash floods and mudslides. The UN and various partners are collaborating with local governments to ensure preparedness and response as they assess the situation in the affected regions. In the Comoros, Chido inflicted some damage, including injuries and displacements, but the impact was less severe than in other areas.
Tropical Cyclone Chido originated in the southeastern Indian Ocean Basin, emerging as a tropical depression on December 7. It rapidly intensified, reaching Category 4 status on December 10, before losing some strength prior to landfall in Mozambique. The cyclone’s trajectory raised concerns regarding potential flooding and infrastructure damage, impacting millions. With the cyclone forming during a historically vulnerable period for Southern Africa, its effects on agriculture, housing, and infrastructure are being carefully monitored by local and international agencies. Efforts are underway to mitigate further risks associated with heavy rainfall and potential flash floods that could affect additional regions, including Malawi and parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe, necessitating a coordinated humanitarian response.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has conclusively affected coastal Mozambique, accompanied by catastrophic winds and rainfall. Over 1.7 million residents are projected to be impacted in Mozambique alone, with additional effects anticipated in Malawi. Immediate humanitarian response efforts are underway to assess and address damages as the cyclone transitions towards Zimbabwe. The forecast for heavy rain poses ongoing risks for broader southern Africa, highlighting the importance of preparedness in mitigating disaster impacts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
