Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, causing significant destruction and impacting over 24,102 people. With $4 million allocated for relief efforts, assessments indicate the hardest-hit areas face severe challenges. The cyclone is now moving into Malawi and is expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe by 17 December.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique and is currently moving through Malawi, resulting in intense winds and heavy rains that significantly impact local communities. As of 16 December, Chido is projected to dissipate near Zimbabwe by the following day. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support immediate relief efforts in Mozambique. Despite having faced challenges such as communication breakdowns and blocked roads, humanitarian teams are actively conducting assessments in the hardest-hit areas.
On 15 December, the cyclone delivered catastrophic conditions, with wind gusts reaching 80 kilometers per hour and rainfall exceeding 250 millimeters in just 24 hours. This disaster has resulted in at least one fatality and injuries to 35 individuals, impacting approximately 24,102 people across 4,835 families. Over 5,800 homes have been destroyed, with substantial damage reported to schools and power infrastructures, affecting around 2,500 families. The humanitarian outlook remains grim, particularly in Cabo Delgado Province, where up to 160,000 individuals currently require aid, with Pemba identified as especially vulnerable.
Moving inland, Chido continues to affect regions in Malawi. Initial assessments indicate that approximately 1,800 households (8,100 individuals) have been impacted, with significant damage reported in Machinga and Phalombe districts. Furthermore, infrastructure, including schools and health centers, has sustained damage. In the Comoros, Chido passed near the islands with relatively less severe effects than those experienced in nearby areas.
Forecasts indicate continued heavy rainfall across northern Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, raising concerns for potential flash floods and mudslides. Concurrently, other southern African nations may experience similar weather patterns due to the residual effects of Tropical Cyclone Chido and other weather systems in the region. The cyclone initially developed on 7 December and reached Category 4 intensity before weakening to Category 3 on 13 December.
Tropical Cyclon Chido, formed in the south-eastern Indian Ocean, developed into a severe weather system impacting Mozambique and Malawi before transitioning towards Zimbabwe. As cyclone activity has a direct correlation with seasonal weather patterns, significant rainfall and storm conditions are anticipated to impact various southern African nations, raising alarms for potential disasters such as floods and landslides. Emergency responses are critical in these regions as humanitarian efforts work to assess damage and provide assistance to affected communities. The situation’s rapid evolution demonstrates the necessity for timely coordination among governmental and humanitarian agencies to mitigate adverse outcomes resulting from such natural calamities.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted Mozambique and Malawi, causing fatalities, injuries, and significant structural damage. The international response, led by emergency relief funding and ongoing assessments, aims to address the urgent humanitarian needs created by the cyclone. Continued vigilance and preparedness are essential, as the storm’s effects will likely reverberate through the region, necessitating comprehensive recovery efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
