Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impending Impact on Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Chido is expected to hit Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. Key areas like Cabo Delgado and Nampula face potential winds of 120 km/h and heavy rainfall. Approximately 1.7 million people may be affected, raising concerns about urban flooding and worsening cholera outbreaks.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is projected to land in Pemba at approximately 6 AM on December 15, 2024, with the classification of an Intense Tropical Cyclone. Affected provinces will predominantly include Cabo Delgado and Nampula, alongside others such as Niassa, Tete, and Zambezia, albeit to a lesser extent. Expected adverse weather conditions from December 15 to 17 are characterized by heavy rainfall, reaching up to 200 mm within 24 hours, and wind speeds approximating 120 km/h. The cyclone’s intensity parallels Tropical Cyclones Gombe (2022) and Freddy (2023).
According to the WFP-managed Disaster Analysis and Mapping (ADAM) system, approximately 1.7 million individuals are vulnerable to the cyclone’s impact, with an estimated one million residing in Cabo Delgado and at risk of experiencing fierce winds exceeding 120 km/h. The Technical Council for Disaster Management, under government auspices, convened in Maputo on December 12 to assess the situation. While current observations indicate that all river basins remain below alert thresholds, concerns persist that certain basins in vulnerable regions may soon reach critical levels. Pemba City harbors specific risk for urban flooding across areas including Bairro Cariaco, Alto Chuiba, Eduardo Mondlane, Natite, Ingonane, Paquetequete, and Carioca.
Additionally, the ongoing cholera epidemic in Nampula, noting 283 reported cases and 21 fatalities as of December 11, raises concerns about potential exacerbation due to the impending cyclone. (OCHA, December 13, 2024)
The impending impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido has been closely monitored as it poses significant threats to regions in Mozambique. Historical precedents like Tropical Cyclones Gombe and Freddy underscore the severity of such weather events, which can lead to dire humanitarian crises. The cyclone’s forecasted path and wind intensity raise the potential for destructive impacts on infrastructure and public health, particularly in regions already grappling with health emergencies, such as cholera outbreaks.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido is anticipated to make landfall in Mozambique with severe weather conditions that could affect millions. The cyclone reflects the ongoing vulnerability of regions in northern Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula. The convergence of natural disasters and existing health crises highlights the urgent need for preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the impact on affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
