Tropical Cyclone Chido: Severe Weather Threatens Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido is impacting Southern Africa as of December 14, 2024, with significant threats of flooding and mudslides. It has already affected Mayotte and the Comoros, with Mozambique projected to face severe weather conditions. About 2.5 million people are at risk across the cyclone’s path. Authorities are on high alert, issuing warnings and implementing emergency plans to safeguard vulnerable populations.

As of December 14, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted Mayotte and the Comoros, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall that pose significant risks of flooding and mudslides across Southern Africa. The cyclone is projected to affect around 2.5 million people, with Mozambique facing the greatest threat, where over 1.7 million residents are in the cyclone’s expected path. On December 13, Cyclone Chido passed near Madagascar, causing no reported casualties or damages, although alerts remain active. Regional and national authorities are engaged in preparedness measures and assessments of potential losses.

The forecast indicates that Cyclone Chido will continue its perilous path as it crosses the northern Mozambique Channel, impacting the southern regions of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, as well as northern Mozambique starting December 15. The cyclone is expected to produce rainfall exceeding 100 to 200 mm over a span of 12 to 24 hours, alongside exceedingly high sea conditions, likely resulting in hazardous coastal conditions. Authorities in affected areas are on high alert, issuing red alerts and taking proactive measures to mitigate the impending impact.

In the Comoros, the cyclone has led to the destruction of several houses and significant displacement, with rescue operations ongoing for missing fishermen. In Mozambique and Malawi, national meteorological services have issued warnings and activated disaster management systems to ensure community readiness. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources and conducting needs assessments to provide timely support as the cyclone progresses.

Tropical Cyclone Chido originated as a tropical depression on December 7 and intensified to a Category 4 cyclone by December 10 before weakening back to Category 3. The cyclone has already caused notable disruption in parts of the Indian Ocean, particularly influencing weather patterns across Madagascar and the Comoros. With a projected path threatening millions of individuals in Mozambique, Malawi, and beyond, local governments and humanitarian agencies are coordinating efforts to respond to and prepare for possible emergency situations stemming from Chido’s impact.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a considerable threat to Southern Africa, notably Mozambique and its neighboring regions. As authorities race to respond to urgent needs, monitoring and resource allocation will be critical in mitigating potential casualties and damage. The ongoing situation requires close cooperation among humanitarian partners and local governments to ensure an effective disaster response and community resilience in the face of severe weather events.

Original Source: reliefweb.int