Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15 after affecting Mayotte. The WFP is coordinating emergency responses and providing food aid. The cyclone weakened to a Moderate Tropical Storm in Malawi, where no immediate support is needed. Northern Madagascar saw limited impacts. The cyclone’s occurrence exacerbates existing challenges due to previous environmental shocks in the region.
On December 14, Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido made its initial landfall on the island of Mayotte, subsequently impacting Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique on December 15. The World Food Programme (WFP) is spearheading the emergency response by providing food aid and utilizing vehicles to access remote regions affected by the cyclone. Following its landfall in Mozambique, Chido downgraded to a Moderate Tropical Storm on December 16 as it advanced into southern Malawi, where the situation will be monitored but no immediate assistance is deemed necessary at this time.
In northern Madagascar, the cyclone’s effects were minimal as it did not make landfall. However, the government is leading coordination efforts, with WFP prepared to offer assistance should the need arise. It is essential to note that Cyclone Chido has occurred amidst an already dire context, where several countries have been affected by consecutive crises, notably a recent drought induced by El Niño, which has compounded challenges in the region.
Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant weather event impacting the southern African region in December 2024. Historically, tropical cyclones pose substantial risks to vulnerable populations due to their capacity to disrupt livelihoods, destroy infrastructure, and lead to food insecurity. This particular cyclone follows a series of environmental shocks that have severely impacted Mozambique and surrounding countries, including persistent droughts linked to climatic phenomena such as El Niño. The current response is reflective of ongoing efforts to bolster resilience against such natural disasters and address the immediate needs of affected communities.
In conclusion, the WFP’s response to Cyclone Chido underscores the organization’s commitment to immediate humanitarian assistance in the face of a natural disaster. As the situation develops, continual monitoring and adaptive strategies will be crucial in addressing the compounded adversities resulting from the cyclone’s impact, especially in a region already burdened by recent climatic challenges. Coordination with government agencies and readiness to provide support in Madagascar further illustrates the comprehensive approach adopted by WFP in disaster response efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
