Southern Africa Faces Devastating Impact from Tropical Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and power outages, causing substantial property damage. Prior to Mozambique, Chido devastated Mayotte as a Category 4 cyclone. Its trajectory continues towards Malawi and is expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe. Residents are urged to stay informed through meteorological updates.

On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique, delivering fierce winds of up to 80 km/h, intense thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall that surpassed 250 mm within a 24-hour period. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported significant destruction, with over 5,800 homes impacted, 41 classrooms damaged, and power infrastructure compromised, affecting around 2,500 families. Reports from Pemba detail ongoing power outages and challenging communication conditions, as residents conserve battery life for crucial calls.

Before causing havoc in Mozambique, Chido wreaked considerable damage on Mayotte, a French territory, where it made landfall as a Category 4 cyclone with winds exceeding 220 km/h, obliterating entire neighborhoods. As of December 16, the cyclone is moving toward Malawi as a moderate tropical storm, bringing additional rainfall of 100-150 mm. The system is anticipated to re-enter Mozambique and will likely dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17. Residents in the affected regions are advised to stay updated through their national meteorological services.

Tropical cyclones, such as Chido, are severe weather events that can lead to significant destruction, especially in vulnerable regions. Their formation is influenced by ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions. Southern Africa’s susceptibility to such weather systems necessitates robust disaster preparedness and response strategies to support communities in the aftermath of cyclonic storms. This event underscores the importance of timely weather forecasting and the role of regional cooperation among nations.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique and Mayotte. The cyclone has caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, leading to significant challenges for affected populations. As Chido continues to progress inland, the situation remains critical, necessitating vigilance and preparedness from residents in its path. This event highlights the urgent need for effective emergency management frameworks in the region to mitigate the effects of future storms.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va