Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impact and Response in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15 as a Category 4 cyclone, impacting Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces. With winds up to 250 km/h and heavy rainfall expected, the cyclone could affect over 2.5 million people, with significant damage anticipated in various districts. Initial assessments of the cyclone’s impact show severe risks of flooding and storm surges.

On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, affecting areas near the border with Nampula Province, particularly around Pemba. Classified as a Category 4 cyclone, it generated sustained winds of 200 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h. The cyclone produced extremely heavy rainfall with forecasts suggesting accumulations of up to 250 mm within 24 hours. The cities and districts likely to experience severe impacts include Mecu, Metuge, and Pemba in Cabo Delgado, along with Nampula’s districts including Nacala and Monapo.

Initial assessments indicate that damage throughout the cyclone’s trajectory is expected to be significant, with hazards including flooding and landslides exacerbated by the heavy rains. The shoreline and nearby inland areas are at risk of storm surges and inundation. At present, infrastructure in Pemba is disrupted, including mobile networks while electricity remains operational in select regions. This DREF application serves to activate necessary response operations in hardest-hit areas, with an estimated 2.5 million individuals potentially impacted by this cyclone.

The most severely affected regions comprise multiple districts in both Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces, with Cabo Delgado being home to approximately 1.5 million affected individuals across various districts. In Nampula, around 730,000 are at risk, while an additional 215,000 in Niassa Province could also face adverse effects. The extent of the cyclone’s damage and the subsequent humanitarian needs will be assessed and updated as information becomes available to further guide the response efforts.

Tropical cyclones in Mozambique often lead to substantial destruction, displacing populations and creating critical humanitarian situations. The landfall of Cyclone Chido is particularly concerning given the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. The meteorological implications of such storms include not only destruction from winds but also considerable rainfall that leads to flooding and landslides, affecting communities reliant on stable infrastructure. Historical data shows that similar weather events have previously inflicted severe damage in Mozambique, raising alarms regarding the potential humanitarian impact of Cyclone Chido.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has made a significant impact on Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces. With a sizeable population at risk of flooding and other severe weather-related consequences, humanitarian efforts are urgent. The current assessment indicates that millions may be affected, and further investigations are underway to determine the needs for recovery and support in these struggling communities.

Original Source: reliefweb.int