Severe Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Southern Africa as of December 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing 45 deaths and affecting 184,000 people, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula. In Malawi, 45,162 were affected, with 13 deaths. Humanitarian efforts are focused on assessments and distributing essential supplies as recovery efforts begin.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, leading to significant human and infrastructural loss. The National Institute for Natural Disaster (INGD) reported 45 fatalities, primarily in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, with 493 people injured and approximately 184,000 affected overall. Destruction has been extensive, including more than 35,000 damaged or destroyed homes and harm to 48 health centers and 149 educational institutions.

In the aftermath, humanitarian efforts have mobilized to assess damages and distribute vital supplies, focusing on urgent needs such as food, water, and temporary shelter. The cyclone’s high winds, reaching 260 km/h, along with heavy rainfall of approximately 250 mm within 24 hours, exacerbated the damage, especially in Cabo Delgado, where it is estimated that 128,000 people were impacted.

Additionally, neighboring Malawi reported 45,162 citizens affected by Cyclone Chido, with 13 confirmed deaths and extensive displacement. Approximately 9,531 homes in Nampula and Niassa suffered damage, displacing over 46,000 individuals. In Mayotte, the storm also caused casualties, increasing the urgency for humanitarian assistance and coordination in recovery efforts.

Cyclone Chido initially developed as a tropical depression on December 7, 2024, and progressively intensified before landfall, ultimately dissipating near Zimbabwe on December 17, 2024.

The ongoing assessments and international support are vital as communities begin to recover from this devastating weather event.

Tropical cyclones pose a significant threat to coastal regions, especially in Southern Africa, where geography and climate conditions can lead to severe weather patterns. Cyclone Chido emerged in early December 2024, escalating to a Category 4 storm before weakening upon making landfall in Mozambique. This storm has affected not only Mozambique but also surrounding countries, including Malawi and Mayotte, amplifying the humanitarian crisis due to the destruction of infrastructure, loss of life, and displacement of populations. The response efforts necessitate coordination among various humanitarian organizations to address immediate needs and initiate recovery processes for affected communities.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a severe impact on Mozambique, Malawi, and Mayotte, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The ongoing humanitarian response emphasizes critical needs for food, water, and shelter for displaced individuals. Continued assessment and timely international support are crucial to aid in recovery efforts and stabilize the affected regions in the aftermath of this devastating cyclone.

Original Source: reliefweb.int