Tropical Cyclone Chido is set to strike Southern Africa, impacting around 2.5 million people in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. With landfall expected in northern Mozambique on December 15, severe weather including high waves, heavy rainfall, and strong winds are anticipated. Emergency services are being mobilized in affected countries to respond to the disaster.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is currently impacting multiple countries in Southern Africa, with severe conditions anticipated to affect approximately 2.5 million individuals across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. The cyclone has recently battered Mayotte with powerful winds and is poised to make landfall in northern Mozambique on December 15. In the Comoros, the cyclone has already caused significant destruction, including the loss of five homes in Anjouan and necessitating a search operation for 11 missing fishers in Ngazidja.
In Mozambique, preparations for the cyclone’s arrival are in full swing, with warnings issued as red alerts for the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources and readying for damage assessments. The cyclone is forecasted to bring severe weather, including intense storms, rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 millimeters within a timeframe of 12 to 24 hours, and dangerously high seas with waves projected to rise between 6 to 10 meters.
Malawi is bracing for the impact of Chido’s remnants from December 15-16, with 24 southern districts at risk of torrential rains, flash flooding, and vigorous winds. The Malawian government has activated an Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate responses at the district level. In response to this situation, regional authorities, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are actively monitoring developments and advising on necessary actions such as public awareness initiatives, positioning of relief supplies, and enhancing early warning systems.
The cyclone is expected to lose strength near Zimbabwe by December 17, although heavy rainfall may still impact several other countries in the region, including Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Cyclone Chido is a significant tropical weather system impacting Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique and its neighboring countries. Such cyclones frequently result in devastating weather conditions, characterized by extreme winds and heavy precipitation, leading to widespread damage and human displacement. This situation necessitates robust emergency preparedness and response initiatives, given the potential risk to a large population in the affected areas.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido poses a substantial threat to Southern Africa, affecting millions and necessitating urgent humanitarian action. As it approaches Mozambique, preparations are underway to mitigate the expected impacts, while regional authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the cyclone’s developments. The collective efforts of governments and humanitarian organizations are crucial in safeguarding vulnerable populations across the region.
Original Source: allafrica.com
