Tropical Cyclone Chido is threatening an estimated 2.7 million people in Southern Africa, particularly Madagascar and Mozambique, with significant rainfall and wind expected. Emergency preparedness activities are underway, including evacuation plans and resource mobilization. The cyclone has fluctuated between Category 3 and 4 intensity as it approaches landfall on December 15, 2024, necessitating rapid response efforts across the region.
As of December 13, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido is poised to impact approximately 2.7 million individuals across several countries in Southern Africa, including Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. The cyclone, which transitioned from a tropical depression to a Category 4 cyclone by December 10, has since weakened to Category 3 but is expected to maintain its intensity as it approaches Madagascar and Mozambique. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are anticipated, particularly on the north-eastern coast of Madagascar and in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, where landfall is predicted early on December 15.
Emergency preparedness initiatives are underway across the affected nations, with the dissemination of advisories and prepositions of humanitarian supplies already in process. This includes preventative evacuations and staff deployments to coordinate emergency responses. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has activated resources to conduct geospatial analyses and mobilize disaster response teams should the need arise following the cyclone’s impact.
In Madagascar, despite expected limited damage, the capacity to access northern regions poses significant challenges due to prior cyclone damage to infrastructure. Humanitarian partners, including UNICEF, are mobilizing resources while monitoring the evolving situation for further support needs. In the Comoros, efforts focus on resource inventory and community awareness to minimize risks. Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Management is finalizing its emergency plans and prepositioning necessary supplies in vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, Malawi’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change is urging citizens to follow safety protocols and evacuate if necessary.
Given the cyclone’s trajectory and anticipated severity, vigilance and cooperation among affected nations are crucial to mitigate the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Chido.
Through regional collaboration and preparedness measures, nations are working to protect their communities and respond effectively to the challenges posed by this natural disaster.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has developed into a significant weather event affecting Southern Africa, with projections indicating close to 2.7 million individuals at risk within several countries. The cyclone’s evolution from a tropical depression to a severe cyclone has raised alarms across the region, compelling national disaster management offices and humanitarian organizations to ramp up emergency response efforts. The tropical cyclone’s trajectory suggests that it will bring severe weather, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, impacting both coastal and inland areas while straining already vulnerable communities dealing with prior disasters.
Monitoring and preparedness measures are being implemented by various nations as Tropical Cyclone Chido approaches. While the situation remains dynamic, proactive steps, including evacuations and resource allocations, are essential to safeguard lives and property. Continued international support and cooperation are crucial to sustaining these efforts and addressing both immediate and long-term recovery needs following the cyclone’s impact.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
