Mozambique Braces for Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido as Preparedness Measures Intensify
Tropical Cyclone Chido is set to make landfall in Pemba, Mozambique, on 15 December 2024, with expected heavy rains and winds threatening over 1.7 million people. The government has enacted emergency protocols and coordination measures to mitigate impacts, particularly in vulnerable areas like Cabo Delgado and Nampula.
As of 13 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido is anticipated to make landfall in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, on 15 December, classified as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. The storm is predicted to bring extreme weather, with heavy rainfall of up to 200mm within 24 hours and wind speeds reaching 120 km/h. Approximately 1.7 million individuals are at risk, with an estimated 1 million in Cabo Delgado alone potentially facing severe wind damage.
The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) is actively coordinating the prepositioning of resources and personnel to vulnerable regions. Moreover, they have activated the Emergency Preparedness and Response (ERP) Plan, which enhances readiness and early action measures. A number of provinces, notably Cabo Delgado and Nampula, are forecasted to be directly affected by the cyclone’s impact over the period of 15 to 17 December.
While preliminary assessments indicate that all river basins are currently below alert levels, there are significant concerns that some may rise to these levels as the storm approaches. Pemba City, particularly in neighborhoods such as Bairro Cariaco and Alto Chuiba, faces a high risk of urban flooding. Additionally, there are fears that the cyclone may exacerbate an ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula, where 283 cases and 21 fatalities have been reported as of 11 December.
In preparation for the cyclone, the government has issued an orange alert and activated provincial Centres for Operational Emergencies (COEs) in high-risk areas, with a potential escalation to red alert depending on the cyclone’s severity. Early warning systems are in effect to inform those in danger zones of the impending cyclone, urging preemptive evacuations through SMS, radio, television, and other communication channels. Furthermore, the INGD is establishing shelters for those impacted.
The government has implemented Anticipatory Action protocols in pilot districts Mogincual and Angoche, aimed at mitigating the storm’s effects. The Area Humanitarian Country Team (AHCT) is mobilizing resources and coordinating with Cluster Lead Agencies and partners to ensure effective response efforts in affected provinces. Discussions for additional support from regional bodies and headquarters are ongoing, including possibilities for United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team deployments, contingent on the cyclone’s impact at landfall.
Mozambique is vulnerable to tropical cyclones due to its geographic location, particularly affecting its coastal regions. The recent history of significant cyclones, such as Gombe and Freddy, has raised awareness of the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. With a high population density in vulnerable areas, such as Cabo Delgado, where Cyclone Chido is set to impact, the potential for humanitarian crises increases, necessitating coordinated responses from government and humanitarian organizations.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido presents a significant threat to Mozambique, especially in Cabo Delgado, with potentially devastating effects from heavy rains and strong winds. The national and local authorities, alongside humanitarian organizations, are actively preparing for the storm’s impact by enhancing emergency response plans and prepositioning resources. Continued monitoring of the situation is essential to mitigate the cyclone’s effects and address ongoing health crises such as cholera outbreaks.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
