Tropical Cyclone Chido’s Impact on Southern Africa as of December 14, 2024
Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused severe weather conditions in Mayotte and the Comoros as of December 14, 2024. Forecasts indicate heavy rains and strong winds may lead to flooding and mudslides, affecting 2.5 million people, particularly in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Emergency responses are underway to manage and mitigate the impact of the cyclone.
As of December 14, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted the southern Indian Ocean region, particularly Mayotte and the Comoros. Forecasts predict that the cyclone will bring destructive winds and torrential rains, posing a high risk of flooding and mudslides. Approximately 2.5 million individuals reside in the cyclone’s anticipated path, including over 1.7 million in Mozambique, nearly 440,000 in Malawi, and approximately 370,000 in the Comoros.
On December 13, Chido skirted to the north of Madagascar without causing significant damage or casualties, leading to the lifting of cyclone warnings along the north-west coast. However, unsettled weather conditions are expected to persist temporarily. National and regional authorities are diligently assessing the impact and taking necessary precautions.
Chido has exhibited exceptional wind conditions, comparable to historical storms, and is projected to deliver further severe weather as it crosses the northern Mozambique Channel. After impacting Mayotte, the cyclone is set to make landfall in northern Mozambique on December 15, with predictions of damaging winds and dangerous sea conditions.
In the Comoros, the cyclone has wreaked havoc across Anjouan, Mwali, and Ngazidja islands, leading to structural damage and the displacement of residents. Notably, in Anjouan, five houses were destroyed. A search is ongoing for eleven fishermen missing at sea as a result of the cyclone.
The cyclone threatens to unleash heavy rains, with forecasts of 100 to 200mm within a 12 to 24-hour window, primarily affecting coastal provinces of Mozambique before extending into the interior regions. Consequently, the remnants of Cyclone Chido are anticipated to bring significant rain and wind to southern Malawi.
To mitigate these threats, emergency response measures are being implemented, with advisory alerts issued by local authorities. These measures include the prepositioning of relief supplies and the preparation for potential flooding in the impacted provinces. As December 15 approaches, authorities across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros are on high alert as Cyclone Chido continues its path through the region.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant natural disaster in the southern Indian Ocean region, affecting several countries including Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Cyclones in this region often bring devastating weather conditions that can lead to loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and displacement of communities. This ongoing situation underscores the importance of timely interventions and preparedness measures by regional authorities to safeguard at-risk populations.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a substantial threat to millions in Southern Africa, particularly as it progresses toward Mozambique. Authorities are prioritizing emergency response efforts to mitigate the expected impacts of the cyclone, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing monitoring, public awareness initiatives, and preemptive relief preparations. Collaboration among humanitarian partners will be pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by this severe weather event.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
