Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique, causing severe weather conditions, affecting communication in Pemba and prompting humanitarian assistance. The cyclone, which caused fatalities in Mayotte, may bring over 250 mm of rain and winds up to 260 km/h in affected regions.
Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique early on Sunday, unleashing powerful winds and heavy rains after previously causing devastation in Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory. The cyclone intensified while traversing the Mozambique Channel, impacting locations near Pemba, which is located approximately 40 kilometers south of the northern city. Since 7 AM local time, communication with Pemba has been interrupted, as reported by Aderito Aramuge, the director of the National Institute of Meteorology.
UNICEF reported that it is actively assisting those affected by the cyclone, which has caused significant infrastructure damage, including to homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. The organization is collaborating with the government to maintain essential basic services during this crisis. The Mozambique weather service has issued warnings of intense thunderstorms and sustained winds reaching up to 260 kilometers per hour in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, with anticipated rainfall exceeding 250 millimeters in a 24-hour period.
Visual footage from Pemba depicted strong winds and torrential rains, with several structures reportedly sustaining damage. The cyclone has tragically claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals in Mayotte, according to security sources.
The impact of Cyclone Chido highlights the vulnerability of coastal regions in East Africa to severe weather phenomena, particularly cyclones which are often influenced by climatic conditions in the Indian Ocean. Mozambique, frequently affected by cyclones, grapples with infrastructural weaknesses that exacerbate the effects of such natural disasters. Humanitarian organizations, like UNICEF, play a crucial role in providing immediate relief and support in the aftermath, ensuring basic services are maintained to assist communities in recovery efforts.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Mozambique, particularly near the city of Pemba, bringing gusty winds and heavy rainfall. With communication disrupted and reports of infrastructure damage, humanitarian assistance is essential to support affected communities. The cyclone’s toll in Mayotte further underscores the storm’s deadly potential, making ongoing monitoring and disaster response a priority for local and international agencies.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
