Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mayotte and Mozambique, necessitating WFP’s emergency response efforts focused on food aid and support for remote areas. Instead of causing immediate concerns in Malawi and Madagascar, the cyclone exacerbates existing crises due to previous climatic adversities, highlighting the need for preparedness in affected regions.
On December 14, 2024, Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte before making landfall in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, on December 15. The World Food Programme (WFP) is engaged in coordinating a comprehensive emergency response, which includes the provision of food aid and the mobilization of vehicles to access remote communities affected by the cyclone. By December 16, Cyclone Chido had weakened to a Moderate Tropical Storm and subsequently impacted southern Malawi. Currently, WFP is monitoring this situation, confirming that no immediate assistance is required.
Northern Madagascar experienced minimal impacts from Cyclone Chido since it did not make landfall there. Government-led coordination is already in progress in this region, with the WFP prepared to extend assistance should it be deemed necessary. This cyclone has intensified the challenges faced by countries in the region that are still recovering from various adversities, including the recent droughts attributed to El Niño, which have heightened the existing vulnerabilities in these communities.
The WFP Regional Bureau for Southern Africa continuously monitors and responds to natural disasters in the region, particularly those affecting food security. Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido’s trajectory and its subsequent weakening effects illustrate the ongoing climate challenges exacerbating pre-existing humanitarian crises. Historical data suggest that countries in Southern Africa are increasingly susceptible to such climatic events, which complicate recovery efforts from previous weather-related shocks. As these nations grapple with the persistent consequences of climate change, organizations like WFP are essential in facilitating timely aid and supporting recovery efforts.
In summary, the recent passage of Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido through Southern Africa highlights the region’s vulnerability to sequential climatic disasters. With significant impacts observed primarily in Mozambique and southern Malawi, the ongoing response by the WFP underscores the importance of coordinated humanitarian efforts. Preparing for potential needs in Northern Madagascar remains a priority for WFP, ensuring that communities receive the necessary support to withstand the repercussions of such events. Increased attention to the ongoing climate challenges in the region is critical for future resilience and recovery.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
