Tropical Cyclone Chido is set to make landfall in northern Mozambique on December 15, affecting 2.5 million people across the region. Severe weather, including rainfall of 100-200mm and waves of 6-10m, is anticipated. Neighboring countries like Malawi are preparing for significant rainfall and flash floods, while regional authorities are coordinating emergency responses.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is currently impacting several countries in Southern Africa, with a potential effect on approximately 2.5 million individuals across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. After already causing severe wind damage in Mayotte, the cyclone is anticipated to make landfall in northern Mozambique on December 15. In the Comoros, emergency services have activated rescue plans following reports of damage, including five destroyed homes in Anjouan and a search for 11 missing fishermen near Ngazidja.
As Mozambique braces for the cyclone’s arrival, red alerts have been issued for Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Humanitarian organizations are prepositioning essential supplies and making arrangements for potential assessments. Forecasts predict conditions such as storms, rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 millimeters in a span of 12 to 24 hours, and dangerous seas with waves reaching up to ten meters in height.
Malawi anticipates the remnants of the cyclone from December 15 to 16, affecting 24 districts predominantly in the south, which are at risk for substantial rainfall, flash floods, and strong winds. The government has activated an Emergency Operation Centre and is coordinating responses at the district level. Regional authorities, specifically the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are closely monitoring the situation and promoting preparedness initiatives, such as public awareness campaigns and the positioning of relief supplies.
The cyclone is projected to gradually dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17, while heavy rainfall may still influence surrounding countries, including Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Preparedness and responsive measures are critical to mitigate the cyclone’s impact on vulnerable populations throughout the region.
Tropical cyclones pose significant threats to countries in Southern Africa, particularly in coastal regions that are susceptible to extreme weather events. Cyclone Chido exemplifies these dangers, as it is poised to directly affect Mozambique and its neighboring countries, with millions at risk. The impact on infrastructure, local economies, and individual safety necessitates swift government response and regional cooperation to manage potential disasters effectively.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido represents a considerable threat to Southern Africa, with millions of people directly at risk as it approaches Mozambique. The proactive measures being employed by regional authorities, including preparedness campaigns and emergency response coordination, highlight the urgency of addressing the impending disaster. As Chido moves through the region, continuing monitoring and response efforts will be crucial to mitigate its effects on affected communities.
Original Source: allafrica.com
