Malawi on High Alert for Tropical Cyclone Chido, Preparedness Plans Underway
Malawi is on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Chido approaches, expected to bring heavy rain and flooding to the southern regions. The cyclone, with winds reaching 250 km/h, may affect eleven districts and make landfall near Nacala, Mozambique. Precautionary measures are being taken, and food resources are being coordinated in light of existing food shortages due to El Niño conditions.
Malawi has declared a state of high alert as it prepares for the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Chido. Meteorological authorities have indicated that the cyclone is poised to deliver severe rain and potential flooding, particularly in the southern regions of the country. At present, Chido is located northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean with sustained winds of 250 kilometers per hour, a strength expected to be maintained into Saturday afternoon. The cyclone is advancing westward at a rate of 22 kilometers per hour.
The cyclone is anticipated to affect 11 districts in southern Malawi, including Mangochi, Machinga, Phalombe, Balaka, Mulanje, Blantyre, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Zomba, Mwanza, and Neno. It is expected to make landfall on Sunday near Nacala, Mozambique, leading to heavy precipitation and flooding until Tuesday. Chipiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, reported that residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to relocate to higher ground and to heed evacuation directives.
To facilitate an effective response, all district councils have been alerted, and various emergency response clusters have been activated. Khamula stated, “We have also made standby arrangements for the deployment of a search-and-rescue team comprising the Malawi Defense Force, the Malawi Police Service, the Marine Department, and the Malawi Red Cross Society.”
This event follows the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy last year, which resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives in southern Malawi, alongside significant destruction to crops and livestock. The severity of the situation is compounded by existing challenges from El Niño weather conditions, which have already induced drought and food insecurity among over a quarter of Malawi’s 20 million citizens.
In response to this situation, Paul Turnbull, the country director for the World Food Program in Malawi, confirmed that sufficient food stocks are available in their warehouses, aimed at assisting individuals affected by El Niño. “These stocks were mainly intended to be food assistance for people affected by El Niño as the requirement for El Niño persists,” he elaborated. Should the cyclone necessitate additional food supplies, WFP will seek support to offset those costs whilst continuing its El Niño response plan. Furthermore, WFP has made provisions for boats to assist in delivering necessary supplies and in aiding rescue operations following the cyclone-induced flooding.
Malawi’s geographical and climatic conditions render it particularly vulnerable to tropical cyclones, which can lead to catastrophic flooding and loss of life. The country is still recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Freddy, which wreaked havoc in the region just a year prior. In addition to the challenges posed by cyclones, Malawi is currently facing the consequences of El Niño, which has exacerbated food shortages and drought conditions. The dual threat of cyclones and extreme weather patterns underscores the need for effective disaster preparedness and humanitarian response mechanisms within the country.
In summary, Malawi is bracing for the effects of Tropical Cyclone Chido, expected to bring significant rainfall and flooding to the southern regions of the country. Precautionary measures have been implemented, with a focus on ensuring the safety of residents in vulnerable areas. The ongoing issues related to food insecurity due to El Niño further complicate the situation, necessitating a coordinated and robust response from government authorities and humanitarian organizations. The holistic approach to disaster management is crucial to mitigate the impact and safeguard livelihoods in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
