Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique and Malawi on 15 December 2024, causing severe winds and heavy rainfall, affecting over 24,102 individuals, with one confirmed death. An emergency response has been initiated, with $4 million allocated for relief efforts. Assessment teams continue to work in challenging conditions to address the impact across affected provinces. Cyclone tracking predicts further rainfall impacts across southern Africa.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Mozambique and Malawi since making landfall on 15 December 2024. With wind gusts reaching 80 km/h and rainfall exceeding 250 mm in a 24-hour period, the cyclone has affected approximately 24,102 individuals, resulting in one reported death and 35 injuries. The emergency responders are conducting initial assessments despite challenges such as blocked roads and communication failures. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to aid Mozambique’s urgent response efforts.
As of the latest reports, some areas, particularly in Cabo Delgado province, have been hard-hit, with around 160,000 people requiring assistance. The most severely affected locations include Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba, facing immense structural damage, including the destruction of over 5,800 homes and significant impact on education and health facilities. The National Institute of Meteorology indicates that consistent rainfall will continue to be a concern in Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces while Cyclone Chido progresses towards Zimbabwe, expected to dissipate on 17 December.
In Malawi, cyclone-related impacts have already affected approximately 8,100 individuals across 1,800 households, with Machinga being notably affected. Furthermore, substantial damages have been reported in schools and healthcare facilities due to the adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, forecasts predict additional rainfall across several countries in southern Africa, raising fears of further floods and landslides.
Cyclone Chido, having evolved from a tropical depression earlier in December, represents the significant weather challenges faced by the region, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian response efforts amidst ongoing assessments of the cyclone’s effects.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has wrought devastation in Mozambique and Malawi, leading to significant humanitarian needs. Coordinated efforts are now essential to address the aftermath and prevent further disasters as rain forecasts extend beyond affected areas, signaling potential challenges for sustained response efforts.
Tropical Cyclones are severe weather events that can have devastating consequences for communities, especially in vulnerable regions such as southern Africa. Tropical Cyclone Chido developed in the Indian Ocean, impacting multiple countries, including Mozambique and Malawi. Such cyclones pose threats due to their strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the subsequent flooding they can cause, significantly putting lives and infrastructure at risk. Humanitarian responses are critical to address immediate needs, facilitate recovery, and rebuild affected communities, as evidenced by the allocation of funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted southern Africa, particularly Mozambique and Malawi, leading to loss of life, displacement, and extensive property damage. With thousands in need of urgent assistance and potential for further adverse weather conditions, it is imperative that coordinated humanitarian efforts are implemented to provide relief and aid recovery. The cyclone serves as a reminder of the frequency and intensity of such weather phenomena in the region and the importance of preparedness and disaster management.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
