Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15 as a Category 4 storm, with destructive winds and heavy rainfall affecting Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Damage reports have emerged, with UNICEF mobilizing relief efforts for impacted families. The cyclone’s remnants are expected to bring additional severe weather to southern Malawi and pose ongoing risks to infrastructure in neighboring regions.
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the coast of Mozambique on December 15 at approximately 6 a.m. as a Category 4 cyclone, landing about 35-40 kilometers south of Pemba city in Cabo Delgado Province. With destructive winds peaking at 260 kilometers per hour and significant precipitation of 250 millimeters within 24 hours, Chido posed an imminent threat to life and infrastructure, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Areas such as Mecufi, Metuge, and Nacala experienced warnings of intense conditions that could severely damage buildings and uproot trees.
At 9 a.m. on Sunday, preliminary reports indicated damage in Nampula. Despite disruptions to mobile networks in Pemba, some neighborhoods retained electricity. The Southern African Development Community’s Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) alerted residents about potential infrastructure damage spanning across Niassa, Tete, and Zambezia, advising close monitoring of official weather updates.
According to Mary-Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Mozambique Representative, the organization is assessing the immediate impact on children and families affected by the cyclone. “UNICEF will be delivering lifesaving medicines, water purification supplies, and other essentials to keep people safe and healthy. Many homes, schools, and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed and we are working closely with Government to ensure continuity of essential basic services. While we are doing everything we can, additional support is urgently needed to respond to the urgent needs of those impacted by the cyclone,” stated Ms. Eagleton.
The remnants of Cyclone Chido are expected to bring severe weather to southern Malawi, with forecasts indicating heavy rainfall of 100 millimeters and strong winds between 80 to 100 kilometers per hour from December 15 to 16. By December 17, the cyclone is anticipated to gradually weaken near Zimbabwe. Earlier, as Chido approached the Comoros islands, it caused minor injuries and infrastructure disruption on Anjouan island, while Moheli island faced crop destruction.
His Excellency, the President of Mozambique, has urged national and regional collaboration in disaster response, emphasizing the imperative need for assistance as the nation grapples with the cyclone’s aftermath. Local governments are coordinating with international agencies to provide immediate relief and recovery services, to ensure the affected communities receive timely support during this critical period.
Southern Africa has recently been exposed to extreme weather patterns, particularly due to the growing impact of tropical cyclones. Mozambique, in particular, has been vulnerable to such events, leading to disastrous consequences for infrastructure and local populations. Tropical Cyclone Chido emerging as a powerful storm underscores the region’s ongoing battle with climate-related disasters, which have significantly affected humanitarian conditions and environmental stability. The response from organizations such as UNICEF highlights the urgent need for immediate humanitarian assistance to protect vulnerable communities.
In summary, Cyclone Chido’s landfall in Mozambique as a Category 4 cyclone has raised severe concerns regarding infrastructure and humanitarian needs in the affected regions. With winds reaching 260 km/h and significant rainfall, immediate response efforts are underway to aid communities in Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Continued monitoring and assistance from organizations such as UNICEF and regional authorities are essential in addressing both the immediate and long-term repercussions of this cyclone, highlighting the necessity of preparedness for future climatic events.
Original Source: allafrica.com
