Tropical Cyclone Chido has struck Mayotte and the Comoros, threatening 2.5 million people, particularly in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. On 13 December, it passed near Madagascar with no reported damages. Weather conditions are expected to worsen as it moves toward Mozambique where it may cause significant rainfall and flooding. Emergency response protocols are in place across affected nations as authorities prepare for the cyclone’s impact.
On 14 December, Tropical Cyclone Chido, known for its strong winds and heavy rainfall, inflicted damage on Mayotte and impacted the Comoros. The cyclone threatens approximately 2.5 million people across Southern Africa, including more than 1.7 million in Mozambique, 440,000 in Malawi, and nearly 370,000 in the Comoros. Following its passage near Madagascar, no significant damages or casualties were reported, and cyclone warnings in the north-west coast of Madagascar were lifted, although weather conditions remain unsettled.
The cyclone, having intensified to Category 4 on 10 December and later weakening to Category 3, achieved remarkable wind conditions surpassing those of historical cyclones. Initial reports from the Comoros described damage to structures, particularly in Anjouan, where at least five homes were destroyed. Authorities in the region are undertaking damage assessments and continuing preparedness initiatives, as Cyclone Chido is expected to make landfall in northern Mozambique on 15 December, bringing hazardous winds and devastating rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.
Regional and national governance bodies are actively issuing advisories and engaging in emergency response planning. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has deployed its Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre to manage the situation. Preparations include pre-positioning of essential supplies and facilitating key assessments to ensure adequate response measures against the cyclone’s aftermath across the affected nations.
In anticipation of Cyclone Chido’s impact, Mozambique’s meteorological service issued red alerts for Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Evaluating the impending risks, authorities have organized meetings to strategize response actions, including the establishment of an emergency operation centre in Blantyre, Malawi. The region is bracing for significant rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 mm, with potential threats of flash floods across multiple territories, demanding urgent readiness and proactive intervention from all involved parties.
Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged in early December 2023, quickly escalating to a major weather system that has affected several nations in Southern Africa. The cyclone’s trajectory has raised concerns regarding the safety of millions of residents in its path as it moves towards Mozambique after causing damage in Mayotte and the Comoros. Understanding the cyclone’s potential impact necessitates awareness of its historical severity, comparable to previous impactful storms in the region. This situation requires heightened alertness and coordinated efforts among national and regional agencies to mitigate the risks and consequences of Chido’s approach.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant weather threat across Southern Africa, with the potential to impact millions of lives. The early assessments indicate minimal damage in Madagascar, but caution is being exercised in the Comoros and Mozambique, where preparations are being made for its imminent landfall. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation, coordinating emergency response measures, and preparing for possible flooding and wind damage. Continued vigilance and preparation will be crucial in facing the evolving situation related to Cyclone Chido.
Original Source: allafrica.com
