Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15 as a category 4 cyclone, bringing winds up to 260 km/h and heavy rainfall. The cyclone primarily affected Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, causing significant infrastructure damage and disrupting communications. UNICEF is mobilizing resources to support impacted communities, while the cyclone’s remnants are anticipated to affect southern Malawi. Humanitarian efforts remain crucial as residents grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique at approximately 6 a.m. on December 15 as a category 4 cyclone, about 35 to 40 kilometers south of the coastal city of Pemba in Cabo Delgado Province. With destructive winds reaching up to 260 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall totaling 250 millimeters within just 24 hours, the cyclone posed severe threats to coastal areas including submersion. The cyclone primarily affected Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, with specific hardships reported in several districts including Mecufi, Metuge, and Pemba city.
By 9 a.m. the same day, officials in Nampula noted damage to infrastructure, although full assessments were forthcoming. While communications were hindered by outages in mobile networks, some areas in Pemba maintained electricity. As the winds continued to rage, the Southern African Development Community’s Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre warned of extensive damage that could result in fallen trees and compromised facilities, urging citizens to remain vigilant and attentive to updates from their national weather services.
UNICEF is responding to the crisis, as highlighted by Mary-Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Mozambique Representative, who stated, “UNICEF will be delivering lifesaving medicines, water purification supplies, and other essentials to keep people safe and healthy.” The organization is dedicated to addressing the immediate needs of children and families affected by Cyclone Chido, as numerous residences and public facilities have suffered varying degrees of destruction.
In addition to the challenges in Mozambique, the remnants of Cyclone Chido were projected to instigate heavy rainfall and strong winds across southern Malawi on December 15 and 16, with expectations of gradual dissipation near Zimbabwe by December 17. The cyclone also impacted the Comoros Islands, where reports indicated some injuries, displacements, and infrastructure damage as a consequence of flooding, particularly on Anjouan and Moheli islands.
The timing and impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Southern Africa occurred against a backdrop of global climate variability and increasing storm intensity. Mozambique has a history of tropical cyclones, and the population remains vulnerable to such natural disasters due to exacerbating factors like poverty and limited infrastructure. As cyclones become more frequent and severe, responses from humanitarian organizations such as UNICEF and local governmental agencies are critical in mitigating the damage and addressing the needs of affected communities. Chido serves as a pertinent reminder of the ever-present threat posed by climate-related disasters in the region.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido’s impact on Mozambique and its surrounding regions highlights the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. With destructive winds and significant rainfall causing extensive damage, organizations like UNICEF are vital in providing immediate relief to stricken communities. Moreover, as the cyclone’s remnants move toward Malawi and beyond, ongoing vigilance and coordinated efforts among regional authorities and humanitarian agencies will be essential in safeguarding lives and restoring normalcy.
Original Source: allafrica.com
