Tropical Cyclone Chido is impacting Southern Africa, particularly affecting Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros, with significant winds and rains forecasted to cause flooding. Emergency preparedness measures are underway in several countries, with assessments currently ongoing in Madagascar. No serious damages have yet been reported in Madagascar, but risks of flooding and mudslides remain high.
As of December 14, Tropical Cyclone Chido has affected the regions of Mayotte and the Comoros, bringing with it significant wind and rain that pose risks of flooding and mudslides across Southern Africa. The cyclone is projected to impact approximately 2.5 million individuals in its path, with over 1.7 million residing in Mozambique, 440,000 in Malawi, and nearly 370,000 in the Comoros. Currently, no casualties or significant damages have been reported in Madagascar, although weather assessments are ongoing. Cyclone warnings have been lifted, but maritime activities in certain areas remain restricted due to rough seas.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is exhibiting severe weather conditions as it crosses the northern Mozambique Channel, with expectations of damaging winds and high sea levels, particularly along the coast near Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces in Mozambique. Forecasts indicate rainfalls of 100 to 200 mm within a 12 to 24-hour window, along with hazardous seas reaching heights between 6 to 10 meters. Furthermore, the remnants of Chido are anticipated to bring considerable rainfall to southern Malawi and parts of Zimbabwe, with potential for flash flooding and mudslides due to significant rainfall accumulating throughout the region.
Emergency preparedness and response efforts are currently underway, coordinated by regional and national authorities. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has activated its crisis management framework, providing updates and monitoring weather activities across affected states. Various organizations, including the Comorian Red Cross and the Mozambican Red Cross Society, are actively engaged in relief actions and assessments, although the cyclone’s progress complicates the situation.
Overall, the situation remains serious, and all regions at risk are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow updates from meteorological services. As Cyclone Chido continues its path across Southern Africa, significant efforts are being made to mitigate damage and ensure safety for the millions of individuals in its trajectory.
Tropical Cyclone Chido developed in early December as a tropical depression in the southeastern Indian Ocean, reaching cyclone status shortly thereafter. Cyclones in this region historically create substantial hazards due to their intense wind speeds and heavy rainfall. During this period, millions within vulnerable regions face threats not only from wind damage but also from subsequent flooding and mudslides. Countries within Chido’s path, including Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros, have previously experienced severe cyclonic activity, necessitating robust emergency response frameworks and coordination among various humanitarian organizations.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido poses a significant threat to millions of residents in Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. With emergency measures and assessments underway, authorities and humanitarian organizations are collaborating to provide swift responses to mitigate the cyclone’s impact. Although no major damages have yet been reported in Madagascar, continued vigilance and preparedness remain essential as the cyclone advances towards inland regions.
Original Source: allafrica.com
