Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impacts and Response in Southern Africa as of December 2024
Tropical Cyclone Chido, impacting Mayotte and the Comoros as of 14 December 2024, poses significant risks of flooding and mudslides across Southern Africa, affecting approximately 2.5 million people. It has now entered northern Mozambique and continues to threaten neighboring regions with heavy rains and strong winds, prompting emergency preparedness initiatives and monitoring by regional authorities.
As of 14 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted the Southern African region, particularly Mayotte and the Comoros, with projections indicating further effects on Mozambique and surrounding areas. Approximately 2.5 million individuals are estimated to be in the cyclone’s path, including over 1.7 million in Mozambique alone. The cyclone is bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall, raising concerns of flooding and mudslides due to the adverse weather conditions. Reports have emerged detailing infrastructural damage, especially in Anjouan, with ongoing efforts to assess the full impact of the storm.
Cyclone Chido formed on 7 December in the southeastern Indian Ocean, rapidly intensifying to a Category 4 cyclone before eventually weakening to Category 3 on 13 December. By 14 December, the cyclone had wreaked havoc on Mayotte and parts of the Comoros, prompting regional disaster response initiatives. Authorities are actively issuing advisories to prepare and mitigate damage amid the hazardous weather forecasted for the coming days, particularly along the Mozambique Channel. In the Comoros, evacuation efforts for residents affected by the cyclone are underway,with sustained winds and persistent rainfall posing considerable risks.
Tropical Cyclone Chido’s trajectory indicates a further impact on northern Mozambique, expected to make landfall on 15 December, while heavy rains are anticipated to spread into Malawi and other southern African countries. A significant rise in water levels, with some regions forecasted to receive over 150 mm of rainfall within a short period, poses a serious threat of flash floods and mudslides. Local authorities are coordinating preparedness operations and are closely monitoring the situation, dispersing relief supplies to affected areas to ensure timely response measures are in place.
Currently, SHOC (Southern African Development Community Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre) has engaged in continuous monitoring of the cyclone’s developments and is sharing essential information with member states to facilitate better preparedness and response strategies. They have deployed advisory protocols focusing on public awareness and readiness to aid communities most likely to face the brunt of Chido’s effects. In the affected regions, a centralized Emergency Operation Centre has been established in Malawi to oversee relief efforts and assess ongoing needs in vulnerable districts.
As the storm progresses, environmental and humanitarian assessments will be crucial in addressing the needs of those impacted by Tropical Cyclone Chido. Authorities are urging individuals in affected areas to adhere to safety instructions and remain informed through official channels.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is a severe weather event that has developed over the Indian Ocean, impacting countries in Southern Africa. Originating as a tropical depression on 7 December, it rapidly escalated to a Category 4 cyclone, marking it as one of the more intense storms to impact the region in recent years. The cyclone poses a significant threat not only due to its immediate wind and rainfall but also because of the potential for extensive flooding and mudslides across multiple countries in the cyclone’s path, which includes Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Local authorities and disaster response teams are on high alert, preparing for the impending effects as the cyclone approaches landfall in Mozambique, and assessments continue to gauge the overall impact on communities.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido presents a substantial threat to several countries in Southern Africa, with significant rainfall and strong winds leading to potential flooding and infrastructural damage. As the cyclone progresses northward towards Mozambique, authorities are engaged in active preparedness and response operations to mitigate impacts on vulnerable populations. The continued monitoring and open channels of communication among regional disaster management agencies will be vital in addressing the needs of affected communities and ensuring timely relief operations. The situation remains dynamic, necessitating vigilance and coordinated efforts throughout the affected regions.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
