Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on 15 December 2024, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. Over 1.7 million people in Mozambique and 440,000 in Malawi are at risk. The cyclone is expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe on 17 December, with significant rainfall projected for several regions in southern Africa.
On 15 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique as a Category 4 cyclone near Pemba city, resulting in catastrophic winds reaching 260 km/h and extensive rainfall totaling 250 mm within a 24-hour period. The cyclone has left over 1.7 million individuals in Mozambique and 440,000 in southern Malawi at risk. As the storm progresses, it is expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe on 17 December, following heavy rainfall and wind conditions that could affect additional regions, including Malawi and parts of southern Africa. Local authorities, with support from the UN and other partners, are conducting preparedness efforts and assessing the impact of the cyclone. Reports of speaker damage, disrupted communication networks, and limited electricity in Pemba have emerged, with further effects anticipated in additional provinces such as Niassa and Zambezia. In the Comoros, preliminary reports indicate slight damage and injury related to the cyclone, while heavy rains are expected in northern Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The regional Departments of Meteorological Services will closely monitor the cyclone’s progress as related weather systems are likely to induce flash floods in several Southern African nations.
Tropical Cyclone Chido developed in the south-eastern Indian Ocean and intensified to a Category 4 cyclone on 10 December. It significantly impacted various regions, passing north of Madagascar and threatening several island nations before making landfall in Mozambique. This situation poses serious risks due to flooding and severe wind damage. The consequences of such a storm are particularly pressing in vulnerable communities across Mozambique and Malawi, where millions are at risk of both immediate dangers and long-term disruptions.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a significant threat to southern Africa, with Mozambique and Malawi facing the immediate repercussions of heavy rains and destructive winds. Continued monitoring and humanitarian support are essential to mitigate the impact on affected populations. Authorities are advised to prepare for possible flooding and infrastructure damage while ongoing assessments will aim to address urgent needs in the wake of this disaster.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
