Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, bringing strong winds and heavy rains, resulting in significant destruction. Over 5,800 homes were damaged and 41 classrooms partially affected. The cyclone, which previously ravaged Mayotte, continues to influence weather patterns into Malawi and is expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe. Residents face communication and power challenges as relief assessments continue.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, causing severe destruction with wind gusts reaching 80 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a 24-hour period. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reports that over 5,800 homes have been destroyed, along with partial damage to 41 classrooms, impacting around 2,500 families as power poles were knocked down. Assessments are still in progress, reflecting the cyclone’s potentially increasing toll.
Residents in Pemba are experiencing significant challenges, with reports of power outages and intermittent communication. To conserve battery life for critical communication, individuals are limiting phone use due to the ongoing lack of electric power. Before crossing into Mozambique, Cyclone Chido had previously devastated Mayotte, where it struck as a Category 4 cyclone with winds exceeding 220 km/h, obliterating entire neighborhoods.
As of December 16, Chido continues to move northwest from Mozambique into Malawi as a moderate tropical storm. This system has already produced strong winds and rainfall varying from 100 mm to 150 mm. Forecasts suggest that Chido will re-enter Mozambique’s Tete Province and extend northward into Sofala and Manica provinces, with expectations of dissipating near Zimbabwe on December 17. Citizens of Mozambique and Malawi are advised to stay updated through their respective national meteorological services regarding weather developments.
Tropical Cyclone Chido poses a significant threat to Southern Africa, particularly impacting Mozambique, Malawi, and nearby regions. Cyclones in this area often bring heavy rainfall and high winds, leading to widespread destruction. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other relief organizations are monitoring the situation closely to aid affected populations. Previous cyclones have led to considerable loss in infrastructure and human life, thus emphasizing the need for disaster preparedness and efficient recovery efforts.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has made a devastating impact on Southern Africa, with Mozambique suffering extensive damage and ongoing threats to Malawi as the storm progresses. The necessity for continuous updates from meteorological services highlights the unpredictable nature of such weather phenomena. Efforts to assess damages and initiate recovery are crucial in mitigating the cyclone’s effects on the affected communities.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
