Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, bringing destructive winds and heavy rains, impacting over 1.7 million people. The cyclone will soon affect southern Malawi before dissipating near Zimbabwe. Damage assessments are underway, particularly regarding infrastructure and housing, while the UN and local authorities prepare response measures to assist affected communities.
On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique as a Category 4 cyclone, impacting the Cabo Delgado Province with powerful winds reaching 260 km/h and heavy rainfall totaling 250 mm in 24 hours. The cyclone poses a risk additionally to Nampula and is expected to affect southern Malawi with continued strong winds and heavy rain before dissipating near Zimbabwe by December 17. The storm’s path risks compromising the safety of over 2.1 million people in both nations, prompting UN and local governmental responses focused on preparedness and assessment. Damage reports are still pending verification, particularly regarding infrastructure and housing in the affected provinces.
Tropical Cyclone Chido formed on December 7, 2024, in the southeastern Indian Ocean and intensified over subsequent days, reaching peak strength on December 10 before weakening slightly. Its trajectory near Madagascar highlighted the cyclone’s potential for significant impact across several southern African nations. The cyclone not only threatened Mozambique and Malawi but also areas including Zambia, Zimbabwe, and regions in the southern African continent, raising alarm for potential flash floods and mudslides due to extensive rainfall forecasts in the aftermath of the storm.
The arrival of Tropical Cyclone Chido has underscored the vulnerability of southern Africa to severe weather events, particularly as it threatens millions with hazardous wind and rain. Continued monitoring and response efforts by humanitarian agencies are vital to mitigate damages and prepare for further challenges in the storm’s wake. The need for community awareness and preparedness will be instrumental in safeguarding lives and property as the cyclone’s effects unfold.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
