Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on 15 December, causing severe weather conditions, casualties, and destruction of homes and infrastructure. As assessments continue, over 160,000 individuals require urgent assistance. The cyclone is currently affecting Malawi, where significant numbers of households are impacted, prompting government and humanitarian responses. Heavy rains forecast pose ongoing risks of floods and mudslides across several Southern African nations.
On 15 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, unleashing severe winds gusting up to 80 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a 24-hour span. This natural disaster has tragically resulted in one confirmed death, 35 injuries, and has adversely affected 24,102 individuals across 4,835 families. The cyclone has caused the destruction of over 5,800 homes and significant damage to educational and infrastructural facilities within the region. As of 16 December, an estimated 160,000 individuals in Cabo Delgado require immediate assistance, particularly in Pemba where vulnerability levels are high. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by obstructed communications and damaged roads, assessments are being conducted by government agencies and humanitarian partners.
As the cyclone progresses inland into Malawi, initial reports indicate approximately 1,800 households and over 8,000 people are affected, with Machinga being the most impacted district. Furthermore, Chido has inflicted damage on infrastructure such as schools and health facilities, leading to temporary closures in several southern districts of Malawi. In the Comoros, less severe wind conditions were experienced as Chido passed near the islands. A forecast of continuous heavy rainfall beyond the immediate vicinity of the cyclone poses risks of flash floods and mudslides across regions of northern Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Tropical depression Chido developed on 7 December in the southeastern Indian Ocean and reached a peak intensity of Category 4 on 10 December. However, it subsequently weakened to a Category 3 cyclone by 13 December before making its approach to Madagascar. The situation remains dynamic, and it is imperative for residents in affected areas to stay updated through national meteorological services regarding weather developments.
In response to the cyclone’s devastating impact, Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) Tom Fletcher has allocated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support urgent humanitarian efforts in Mozambique. The comprehensive assessment data and ongoing support initiatives are crucial for mitigating the severe ramifications of this natural disaster.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has recently impacted Mozambique and Malawi, raising serious humanitarian concerns due to the extensive damage and loss of life caused by the cyclone. Triggering intense winds and relentless rainfall, Chido has overwhelmed infrastructure capabilities, resulting in emergency responses to assess and address the extensive needs of affected populations. With predictions for ongoing adverse weather conditions, the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido highlights the vulnerabilities faced by communities in these regions, necessitating immediate humanitarian assistance and disaster management coordination. Understanding the implications of Chido’s path and its interactions with local meteorological conditions is vital for evaluating its ongoing impact and the response efforts required.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a significant and devastating effect on Mozambique and Malawi, with tragic fatalities, widespread injuries, and thousands of residents affected by flooding and structural damage. The disaster has elicited an immediate humanitarian response, with financial resources allocated for emergency assistance. As the cyclone moves inland, continuous assessments of the damage and needs of the affected populations are essential to ensure adequate support is provided. The forecast of heavy rainfall in the surrounding regions necessitates vigilance to prevent further loss and damage.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
