Tropical Cyclone Chido is impacting Southern Africa, threatening 2.5 million individuals. Mayotte and the Comoros have already experienced damage, while Madagascar assesses local conditions. Mozambique prepares for severe rainfall and winds as Chido moves west, prompting emergency responses throughout affected regions.
On December 14, 2023, Madagascar is assessing the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which has affected the nearby regions including Mayotte and the Comoros. As Chido continues to move from its path, it threatens approximately 2.5 million individuals in Southern Africa, including over 1.7 million in Mozambique, 440,000 in Malawi, and nearly 370,000 in the Comoros. Despite having passed north of Madagascar without reported damage or casualties, adverse weather remains in place temporarily as evaluations by Malagasy authorities are underway.
Cyclone Chido is anticipated to bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall, resulting in significant risks of flooding and mudslides across affected areas. In Mayotte, the cyclone has already caused substantial wind and rain-related incidents. Its historical intensity is notable when compared to past cyclones such as Kamisy in 1984 and the 1934 Cyclone. Presently, advisories are in effect as regional authorities prepare for the impending landfall in northern Mozambique and assess immediate impacts in the surrounding countries, including the Comoros.
Significant weather conditions are expected to last, with Mozambique bracing for Chido’s arrival, anticipated near Cabo Delgado Province close to Nampula. The forecast indicates potential for extreme rainfall, reaching 200 mm within 24 hours, accompanied by aggressive sea conditions with waves of 6 to 10 meters. Moreover, the cyclone is expected to affect southern Malawi, Zimbabwe, and beyond, invoking widespread preparedness and response measures by local authorities.
Emergency response efforts are mobilizing across the affected countries, including the activation of monitoring and assessment operations. National meteorological services are issuing continuous updates and alerts, urging populations in high-risk areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Humanitarian partners are coordinating relief readiness, including prepositioning supply distributions in strategic locations. Local Red Cross societies and regional humanitarian agencies are collaborating to ensure effective communication and alignment of response strategies in the wake of Chido.
Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged as a significant weather disaster, originally developing as a tropical depression on December 7, 2023. It intensified rapidly, reaching Category 4 status before briefly downgrading to Category 3. In its trajectory, Chido is now threatening the Southern African region, primarily affecting Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros Islands. The situation necessitated immediate preparedness actions and advisory issuance by regional authorities to mitigate the potential dangers posed by the cyclone, which is forecast to unleash intense rainfall and perilous winds, leading to flood conditions across multiple nations.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido poses a substantial risk to millions in Southern Africa as it brings damaging winds and heavy rains, with impending impact in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Authorities are proactively assessing damage and facilitating emergency responses to bolster public safety. The cyclone has already impacted Mayotte and the Comoros, prompting widespread livability concerns and necessitating preparedness from humanitarian organizations and government officials throughout the region.
Original Source: allafrica.com
