Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2023, causing severe damage, including the destruction of over 5,800 homes and affecting thousands. After hitting Mozambique, it is moving towards Malawi with expectations of heavy rainfall. The cyclone had previously devastated Mayotte as a Category 4 system, leading to significant destruction.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has wrought havoc in Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, where it made landfall on December 15, 2023. The cyclone brought strong winds reaching up to 80 km/h, accompanied by severe thunderstorms and rainfall surpassing 250 mm within a 24-hour period. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported significant destruction, including over 5,800 homes and damage to 41 classrooms, displacing approximately 2,500 families due to downed power lines. As assessments continue, these numbers are likely to rise.
Reports from Pemba indicate substantial power outages and strong winds, complicating communications within the region. Local residents are conserving their mobile phone batteries for essential communication, as the power situation remains precarious. Prior to impacting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido caused extensive devastation in Mayotte, where it arrived as a Category 4 cyclone, causing widespread destruction of entire neighborhoods.
Currently, Chido is moving inland towards Malawi, where it is classified as a moderate tropical storm. The storm continues to bring heavy rains, with expected precipitation between 100 to 150 mm. Officials encourage residents in Mozambique and Malawi to stay updated with weather forecasts from their national meteorological services as the cyclone is projected to dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17.
Tropical cyclones pose significant threats to coastal regions, particularly in Southern Africa, where climatic conditions predispose these areas to extreme weather events. The impact of Cyclone Chido highlights the vulnerabilities of local infrastructures and communities, especially in Mozambique, which frequently experiences such natural disasters. Historical patterns have shown that the aftermath of cyclones can cause prolonged humanitarian crises due to displacement, damage to homes, and disruption of essential services.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido’s impact on Southern Africa underscores the serious risks associated with tropical storms in the region. With extensive damage reported in Mozambique and the looming threat to Malawi and Zimbabwe, continued monitoring and community resilience are crucial. Authorities and humanitarian organizations must prioritize recovery efforts and infrastructure rebuilding to support affected families and communities.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
