Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Severe Impact in Southern Africa
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, moving into Malawi, causing extensive damage and affecting thousands. One fatality has been confirmed, with emergency funds allocated for relief efforts. The cyclone is expected to dissipate by December 17 after further rainfall impacts the region.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, subsequently moving into Malawi, where it continues to cause severe disruptions due to strong winds and substantial rainfall. As of December 16, the system is forecasted to dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17. In response to the cyclone’s devastating impacts, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has allocated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to aid affected individuals. Immediate assessments are being conducted in the disaster-stricken regions despite significant challenges such as communication failures and damaged infrastructure.
The cyclone has resulted in one confirmed fatality, injured 35 individuals, and adversely affected over 24,100 people comprising 4,835 families, as reported by the Southern African Development Community’s Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre. More than 5,800 homes have been destroyed, and critical infrastructure including schools and power lines has sustained damage, leaving approximately 2,500 families without electricity. The initial assessments indicate that around 160,000 residents in Cabo Delgado require urgent assistance, with the areas of Chiure, Mecufi, and Pemba being among the most severely impacted.
Chido continues to progress inland with lingering effects on regions in Malawi, where approximately 1,800 households have been reported as affected. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs has noted significant infrastructural damage in various locations, including schools and healthcare facilities. The meteorological outlook predicts continued heavy rainfall, which raises concerns over potential flash floods and mudslides in multiple countries, including Mozambique, Malawi, and others in the southern region of Africa.
To summarize, Tropical Cyclone Chido has left a mark of devastation across Mozambique and Malawi, prompting urgent responses and ongoing assessments. The rainfall from the storm is expected to impact additional countries and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities due to flooding. Efforts are underway to support those affected, emphasizing the need for prompt humanitarian aid.
Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged as a significant storm system in the southeastern Indian Ocean, intensifying from a tropical depression to a tropical cyclone, ultimately affecting multiple countries in Southern Africa. Landfall occurred in Mozambique on December 15, leading to severe weather conditions throughout the region, marked by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread damage. Humanitarian organizations are now mobilizing resources to alleviate the crisis as communities grapple with the aftermath.
In conclusion, the occurrence of Tropical Cyclone Chido has profoundly impacted Mozambique and Malawi, leading to fatal casualties, extensive property damage, and a humanitarian emergency requiring immediate response efforts. With ongoing forecasts indicating further rainfall and potential hazards, the need for timely assistance and recovery strategies remains crucial for affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
