Tropical Cyclone Chido: Flash Update on Impacts and Response in Southern Africa
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on 15 December 2024, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone is expected to impact southern Malawi and dissipate near Zimbabwe. Over 1.7 million individuals across Mozambique and 440,000 in Malawi are in Chido’s projected path, with assessments of damage and humanitarian response being initiated by local and international agencies.
On 15 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique as a powerful Category 4 storm, registering winds of up to 260 km/h and heavy rainfall of approximately 250 mm within 24 hours. Striking near Pemba in Cabo Delgado Province, Chido posed significant threats of flooding and strong winds to various areas across northern Mozambique and extending into southern Malawi, affecting over 1.7 million people in Mozambique alone.
The cyclone caused extensive disruptions, including loss of mobile network service and intermittent electricity supply in affected regions. Initial reports indicated damage to residential buildings, with further assessments pending. The powerful winds presented severe risks of structural damage and infrastructure destruction, including downed power lines. Authorities advised local residents to remain vigilant and monitor updates from national weather services as the cyclonic system progressed.
Chido is expected to affect southern Malawi from 15 to 16 December with anticipated rainfall reaching 100 mm and gusty winds between 80 and 100 km/h. Forecasts predict the system will weaken and dissipate near Zimbabwe by 17 December. Meanwhile, the storm also impacted the Comoros, displacing families and causing property damage, although no fatalities were reported.
Heavy rainfall exceeding 150 mm over 10 days is probable for regions in northern Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, raising concerns about flash floods and mudslides. Additional areas within Angola, Botswana, DRC, Eswatini, Tanzania, and South Africa may experience significant rainfall due to other weather patterns coinciding with Chido’s impact. Meteorological services in Malawi are closely monitoring the cyclone as it approaches, with forecasts indicating a potential rainfall of up to 110 mm within a 24-hour period.
The report outlines the events surrounding Tropical Cyclone Chido, which developed in the south-eastern Indian Ocean on 7 December 2024. It intensified to a Category 4 cyclone by 10 December and passed near Madagascar before impacting Mozambique. The cyclone has the potential to cause widespread damage across several southern African nations, necessitating monitoring and response from local governments and international agencies. The situation underscores the vulnerability of the region to such severe weather events, prompting collaborative efforts for disaster preparedness and response among various stakeholders.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant weather threat to Mozambique and southern Malawi, prompting urgent warnings and preparation measures due to its destructive winds and heavy rainfall. With over 1.7 million people potentially impacted in Mozambique and additional threats to Malawi, the situation calls for a coordinated response from humanitarian organizations and government authorities. Continued assessments and monitoring of the cyclone’s aftermath will be vital in mitigating its effects.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
