Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2023, with destructive winds and heavy rainfall, impacting Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces. Authorities reported damage to infrastructure and challenges in communications. UNICEF is coordinating relief efforts, with significant rainfall expected to affect southern Malawi in the coming days. The cyclone underscores the urgent need for support and preparedness in the region.
On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique as a category 4 cyclone, striking roughly 35-40 kilometers south of Pemba city in Cabo Delgado Province. Characterized by wind speeds reaching 260 kilometers per hour and rainfall amounts of up to 250 millimeters within a 24-hour period, the cyclone posed severe risks of coastal flooding. The cyclone affected numerous regions, including Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with reports indicating damage and disruptions in communication and electricity services.
Cyclone Chido is a significant natural disaster impacting Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique. Tropical cyclones are common in the region, particularly during the cyclone season. Cabo Delgado Province, known for its vulnerability to extreme weather events, has had prior experiences with cyclones resulting in infrastructure damage and humanitarian crises. The Southern African Development Community’s Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre anticipates that the devastation from such storms often requires comprehensive response strategies, especially in densely populated and economically challenged areas.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has made a substantial impact on the coastal areas of Mozambique, primarily Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Emergency services are actively assessing and responding to the needs of affected populations. UNICEF and local authorities are mobilizing resources to provide essential supplies to those in distress, yet the situation requires urgent support to address the immediate and future needs of the affected communities. The cyclone also poses a threat to neighboring regions, emphasizing the interconnected nature of disaster response.
Original Source: allafrica.com
