Cyclone Chido’s Impact on Southern Africa: Preparations for Severe Weather Threats

Tropical Cyclone Chido is affecting Southern Africa, with landfall expected in Mozambique on December 15. Approximately 2.5 million people may be impacted across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. High waves of up to 10 meters are anticipated, leading to severe weather conditions and prompting government and humanitarian responses.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is currently impacting several nations in Southern Africa, with the potential to affect approximately 2.5 million individuals across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. After previously hitting Mayotte, characterized by severe wind conditions, Cyclone Chido is anticipated to strike northern Mozambique on December 15, 2023. Emergency measures are being activated in the Comoros where cyclone damage has already been reported, including five destroyed homes in Anjouan and a continuing search for 11 missing fishermen in Ngazidja.

Mozambique is taking significant precautions in anticipation of the cyclone’s landfall. Authorities have issued red alerts for Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources and preparing for necessary assessments. Conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly, with forecasts indicating storms and rainfall amounts reaching between 100-200mm in just 12-24 hours, alongside waves rising as high as 10 meters.

Malawi is poised to face the cyclone’s remnants from December 15 to 16, affecting 24 southern districts with the possibility of intense rainfall, flash floods, and strong wind gusts. The government has activated its Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate the response at the district level. Regional bodies, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are closely monitoring Cyclone Chido and recommending various preparedness measures, including public awareness initiatives and the positioning of relief supplies.

As Cyclone Chido is predicted to weaken near Zimbabwe by December 17, it may still produce heavy rainfall that could impact several countries throughout the region, including Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Tanzania, and South Africa.

The Southern African region frequently faces severe weather events, particularly cyclones due to its geographical location. Tropical Cyclone Chido exemplifies this pattern, bringing potentially devastating impacts to multiple countries. Cyclones form over warm waters and can intensify rapidly, posing risks such as high winds, rain, and flooding. Preparedness actions, including alerts and evacuations, are crucial as authorities aim to mitigate the effects on affected populations, emphasizing the importance of local and regional cooperation in disaster response.

In summary, Cyclone Chido is set to significantly impact Southern Africa, with Mozambique and Malawi on high alert. Emergency services and humanitarian partners are mobilizing to respond to the imminent threats of severe weather, high waves, and heavy rainfall. The situation highlights the need for continuous monitoring and coordinated responses to safeguard communities at risk across the region.

Original Source: allafrica.com