Tropical Cyclone Chido Set to Hit Mozambique in December 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido is set to make landfall in Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. Heavy rains and strong winds are expected to affect several provinces, particularly Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Approximately 1.7 million individuals are at risk, and concerns rise about exacerbating the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is anticipated to strike Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15, 2024, bringing with it the force of an Intense Tropical Cyclone. The cyclone is projected to impact several provinces in northern Mozambique, particularly Cabo Delgado and Nampula, while also affecting Niassa, Tete, and to a lesser extent, Zambezia. The expected rainfall could reach up to 200mm within 24 hours, coupled with wind speeds of up to 120 km/h from December 15 to 17, mirroring the intensity levels of previous cyclones such as Gombe in 2022 and Freddy in 2023.

According to the WFP-managed Disaster Analysis and Mapping (ADAM) system, approximately 1.7 million individuals are at risk due to Cyclone Chido, including around 1 million people within Cabo Delgado facing the threat of extreme wind conditions. The Technical Council for Disaster Management, which convened on December 12, 2024, located in Maputo, reported that current river basins remain below alert levels. Nonetheless, some basins in the vulnerable regions may elevate to concerning levels. Notably, urban flooding poses a significant threat to Pemba City, especially in areas such as Bairro Cariaco, Alto Chuiba, Eduardo Mondlane, Natite, Ingonane, Paquetequete, and Carioca.

Compounding the situation, there are heightened concerns regarding a prolonged cholera outbreak in Nampula, where as of December 11, 283 cases and 21 fatalities have been recorded. Health experts fear that the cyclone’s impact may exacerbate these conditions and lead to increased morbidity rates within the affected populations.

Tropical cyclones pose a significant threat to many regions, especially in Southeast Africa, where they can cause widespread devastation and human suffering. Cyclone Chido represents a considerable risk, particularly for the provinces of Mozambique that regularly face extreme weather events. The interplay of heavy rainfall and strong winds can lead to flooding, infrastructure damage, and public health crises, such as cholera outbreaks. Monitoring systems, like the WFP-managed ADAM, are crucial for assessing risks and mobilizing resources in advance of such disasters, ensuring that communities are prepared and can respond effectively. Chronic vulnerabilities in areas like Cabo Delgado and Nampula only heighten the stakes, demanding urgent attention from both national and international stakeholders.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido presents an imminent threat to northern Mozambique, particularly affecting Pemba and surrounding provinces. With severe weather conditions projected and a significant portion of the population at risk, proactive measures and timely interventions by government and humanitarian organizations are essential to mitigate potential impacts. There is a pressing need for vigilance regarding public health issues, especially the cholera outbreak, as the cyclone could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

Original Source: reliefweb.int