Tropical Cyclone Chido has struck Mayotte and the Comoros as of 14 December 2024, affecting approximately 2.5 million people. The cyclone, which has transitioned to Category 3, is anticipated to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and risks of flooding in Mozambique by the 15th. Regional authorities are actively responding to ensure public safety amid ongoing assessments and preparations.
As of 14 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted the islands of Mayotte and the Comoros, bringing extreme winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone is projected to affect approximately 2.5 million individuals across Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Following its passage near Madagascar, where no significant damage was reported, Chido is anticipated to maintain its intensity as it crosses the northern Mozambique Channel and approaches Mozambique on 15 December. Authorities across the region are actively monitoring and responding to the unfolding situation.
Tropical Cyclone Chido, characterized by very strong winds and intense rainfall, has created significant risks of flooding and mudslides in Southern Africa. The cyclone struck Mayotte and is on a path that could affect more than 2.5 million people, especially in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. As of 14 December, Chido has produced severe wind conditions that are notable compared to historical cyclones. The cyclone’s trajectory indicates that it will make landfall in the south of Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, with expectations of damaging winds and heavy rains.
The cyclone formed on 7 December in the Indian Ocean, gaining strength to Category 4 before weakening to Category 3. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has issued alerts regarding the potential for significant rainfall and possible flash flooding in several countries including Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and others. Preparations are being undertaken by national meteorological services to manage the impact of the cyclone. Emergency response measures are being activated in the affected nations, with a focus on public awareness, relief supply pre-positioning, and rapid assessments of needs.
Regional and national authorities are advising the public and conducting assessments to mitigate the effects of Tropical Cyclone Chido. The SADC and other humanitarian organizations have implemented a range of strategies including regularly scheduled updates, weather monitoring, and preparation for potential evacuations. In the Comoros, a cyclone alert was issued while efforts to monitor and respond to the cyclone’s impact are ongoing. Mozambique’s national meteorological service has issued red alerts, urging residents to prepare for potential hazards due to the cyclone.
“The Gombey Hybrid Framework” remains crucial in coordinating emergency response efforts while focusing on disaster resilience and management strategies across the region. The overall focus is on preserving lives and mitigating damage throughout the area impacted by Cyclone Chido.
Tropical Cyclone Chido, an intense weather event, developed in the southeastern Indian Ocean and significantly affected several nations in Southern Africa within a short time frame. The cyclone’s formation initiated various emergency protocols from regional and national authorities to assess and respond to potential damages. As Chido traversed the Indian Ocean, its increase in severity raised alarms across multiple countries, prompting preemptive actions as local meteorological services prepared the public for the impending impact. With filtration of cyclone data, humanitarian organizations aimed to provide timely information to governmental and non-governmental assets in preparation for Chido’s landfall.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido presents a considerable threat to Southern Africa, particularly impacting over 2.5 million people in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Efforts to manage the situation involve the coordination of regional authorities and humanitarian organizations, demonstrating a collective response to natural disasters. Continued monitoring and timely communication are vital as the cyclone progresses into Mozambique, where safety measures are being enacted to mitigate the potential impact of floods and strong winds.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
