Southern Africa Faces Threat from Tropical Cyclone Chido as Landfall Occurs

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, reaching winds of 260 km/h and rain exceeding 250 mm in 24 hours. It is anticipated to affect southern Malawi before dissipating near Zimbabwe, threatening over 2 million people in the region. Humanitarian organizations are actively supporting readiness and response efforts following the severe weather forecasts.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique as a category 4 storm near Pemba city, bringing destructive winds reaching 260 km/h and heavy rainfall amounts of up to 250 mm in a 24-hour period. The cyclone is predicted to impact southern Malawi with significant rainfall and strong winds until December 16, before dissipating on December 17 near Zimbabwe. The UN and humanitarian partners are active in aiding governments with emergency preparedness as the cyclone threatens more than 2.1 million people across Mozambique and Malawi.

The intense cyclone caused immediate power outages and communication disruptions in Pemba, with reports of damage to homes already coming in. The provinces of Niassa, Tete, and Zambezia are expected to be affected later on the same day. The humanitarian community, particularly the SHOC of SADC, warned of infrastructural damage from the strong winds, while urging residents to stay informed through national weather services.

Cyclone Chido also passed near the Comoros on December 14, causing some displacement and mild flooding, with corresponding damage in regions like Anjouan and Moheli. The forecast indicates extensive rainfall exceeding 150 mm could lead to flash floods and mudslides not just in Mozambique and Malawi but also in surrounding countries including Zambia and South Africa. The DCCMS in Malawi continues to monitor the situation, anticipating Chido’s effects to reach southern Malawi in the early morning of December 16.

Chido’s development began as a tropical depression on December 7, escalating to a severe cyclone before weakening to a category 3 ahead of landfall. The storm’s trajectory involved a near miss of Madagascar and Glorioso islands, where adverse conditions prompted weather alerts. As the situation evolves, the attention remains on the humanitarian response and the safety of the millions in the cyclone’s path.

Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged as a significant weather event affecting Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique and Malawi, in mid-December 2024. With its formation beginning a week prior in the southeastern Indian Ocean, it rapidly strengthened before making landfall as a category 4 cyclone. Such weather systems pose dangerous conditions including high winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for flash floods and mudslides, which necessitates urgent humanitarian efforts and preparedness measures across the involved regions. Understanding the cyclone’s trajectory, intensity, and the vulnerabilities of the affected populations is crucial for effective disaster response.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has presented a serious threat to Mozambique and Malawi, marked by severe winds and extensive rainfall. The UN and partners are mobilizing resources to conduct assessments and support preparedness efforts for over 2 million people potentially impacted. With adverse weather expected to persist into mid-December, continuous monitoring and community awareness efforts are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring safety.

Original Source: reliefweb.int