Malawi Issues High Alert as Tropical Cyclone Chido Approaches

Malawi is on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Chido approaches, expected to bring heavy rain and flooding to southern districts. With intense winds and a projected path affecting key areas, authorities have advised evacuations and are preparing emergency responses. The situation is compounded by ongoing food shortages due to El Nino weather conditions.

Malawi has declared a state of heightened alert as Tropical Cyclone Chido approaches, predicted to bring severe rain and flooding particularly to the southern regions of the country. According to the Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, the cyclone was observed northeast of Madagascar, maintaining powerful winds of 250 kilometers per hour. This intensity is expected to persist through Saturday, with the cyclone advancing westward at 22 kilometers per hour.

The forecast indicates that Cyclone Chido will traverse eleven districts in southern Malawi, including Mangochi, Machinga, Phalombe, and Blantyre. Expected to make landfall near Nacala, Mozambique on Sunday, the cyclone will likely induce heavy rainfall and flooding across these areas until Tuesday.

Chipiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, has urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate to higher ground and adhere to official evacuation directives. “We have alerted all [district] councils and activated all clusters for swift preparatory and anticipatory actions,” stated Khamula. The agency has organized the deployment of a search-and-rescue team comprising various governmental and humanitarian entities.

This cyclone arrives shortly after the devastating impacts of Cyclone Freddy over a year ago, which resulted in over 1,000 fatalities in southern Malawi. Following this, Malawi has faced additional challenges namely, the effects of El Nino, which has contributed to drought and food shortages affecting approximately 25% of the population.

Paul Turnbull, the country director for the World Food Program (WFP) in Malawi, indicated that the WFP has adequate food reserves that could support government efforts in response to Cyclone Chido. He remarked, “These stocks were mainly intended to be food assistance for people affected by El Nino as the requirement for El Nino persists.” Furthermore, the WFP has logistical capabilities, including boats, ready to assist in the distribution of food and relief post-cyclone.

The context of this article revolves around the impending Tropical Cyclone Chido, which poses a significant threat to Malawi’s southern regions historically prone to flooding and adverse weather conditions. With recent experiences from prior cyclones, notably Cyclone Freddy, still fresh, the government and humanitarian agencies are mobilizing resources in anticipation of potential disasters. The country is still grappling with the repercussions of El Nino, resulting in chronic food insecurity for a considerable portion of its population.

In summary, Malawi is proactively preparing for the imminent impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, with authorities urging residents in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation protocols. The combined effects of the cyclone and ongoing El Nino conditions raise serious concerns regarding food security and disaster management. Efforts by governmental and humanitarian agencies aim to mitigate the cyclone’s impact and provide assistance where necessary.

Original Source: www.voanews.com