Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique on December 15, causing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and destruction of over 5,800 houses. The cyclone left parts of Mayotte devastated as a Category 4 storm. As of December 16, Chido is moving into Malawi, with warnings of continued severe weather expected as it progresses towards Zimbabwe.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2023, unleashing strong winds reaching gusts of up to 80 km/h, accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a mere 24-hour period. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) indicated that the cyclone has caused significant destruction, with over 5,800 houses destroyed, 41 classrooms partially damaged, and power infrastructure severely affected, impacting approximately 2,500 families. These numbers are expected to rise as assessments continue.

Residents in Pemba are enduring challenging conditions, described as chaotic, with strong winds and widespread power outages complicating communication. Reports indicate that mobile communication remains intermittent, forcing individuals to conserve phone battery power for essential calls. Prior to its arrival in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on Mayotte, where it made landfall as a Category 4 cyclone with winds exceeding 220 km/h, resulting in devastating destruction of entire neighborhoods.

As of December 16, Cyclone Chido continues to advance inland into Malawi as a moderate tropical storm, with its center moving over southern Malawi, bringing additional strong winds and rainfall amounts between 100-150 mm. The system is expected to re-enter Mozambique before potentially dissipating near Zimbabwe on December 17. Authorities are urging residents in Mozambique and Malawi to stay updated by following weather forecasts from their respective national meteorological services.

Tropical Cyclones are severe weather systems characterized by strong winds and heavy rain, posing significant threats to affected regions. Cyclone Chido’s impact on Southern Africa highlights the vulnerabilities of communities to natural disasters, particularly in regions susceptible to extreme weather events. The destruction caused by Chido in both Mozambique and Mayotte exemplifies the critical need for preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the effects of such devastating storms.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has brought extensive damage to Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique and Malawi, with significant impacts on infrastructure and communities. The cyclone’s path of destruction, following its onslaught on Mayotte, underscores the pressing need for effective disaster response and resilience-building measures. As residents grapple with the aftermath, continuous monitoring of the storm’s progression and adherence to safety protocols are imperative for ensuring public safety.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va