Tropical Cyclone Chido is set to make landfall in Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, with impending heavy rains and winds reaching 120 km/h. Approximately 1.7 million people are at risk, notably in Cabo Delgado. Preparations are underway, although concerns persist about flooding and an ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula.
On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido is anticipated to make landfall in Pemba, Mozambique, with intense cyclone conditions expected. The northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula are projected to experience severe impacts, including heavy rainfall reaching up to 200 millimeters within 24 hours and wind speeds exceeding 120 kilometers per hour. The World Food Programme’s Disaster Analysis and Mapping (ADAM) system has revealed that approximately 1.7 million individuals are at risk, with significant exposure in Cabo Delgado.
In preparation for the cyclone, the Government’s Technical Council for Disaster Management convened on December 12, reporting that river basins are currently below alert thresholds, though some may soon reach dangerous levels. Urban areas, particularly in Pemba, are at risk for flooding in neighborhoods such as Bairro Cariaco and Alto Chuiba. Additionally, there is rising concern regarding the intersection of the cyclone with an ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula, which has already claimed 21 lives among 283 reported cases by December 11, 2024.
Tropical cyclones are severe weather phenomena that can cause widespread destruction through strong winds, heavy rainfall, and resulting floods. In Mozambique, seasonal cyclones frequently pose significant threats to communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The impending Cyclone Chido mirrors the intensity of previous cyclones, Gombe (2022) and Freddy (2023), which inflicted substantial damage in the region. Current monitoring efforts by the World Food Programme and the Government of Mozambique involve assessing risk factors and readiness for potential humanitarian crises. The intersection of cyclones and existing health crises, such as cholera outbreaks, further complicates disaster management efforts and necessitates proactive measures to mitigate impacts on vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido presents a severe threat to northern Mozambique, primarily impacting Cabo Delgado and Nampula. With wind speeds projected to reach dangerous levels and heavy rain anticipated, significant risks such as flooding and health crises linked to cholera are of utmost concern. Both governmental and humanitarian organizations are on high alert, working to protect and assist the millions at risk. Reliance on effective disaster response mechanisms will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by this natural disaster.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
