Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, causing severe destruction with winds of 80 km/h and over 250 mm of rainfall. More than 5,800 homes were destroyed, affecting 2,500 families. Chido first impacted Mayotte as a Category 4 Cyclone before moving into Malawi, where it continues to pose risks. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about current weather conditions.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, bringing severe weather conditions characterized by strong winds reaching gusts of 80 km/h, thunderstorms, and significant rainfall exceeding 250 mm within 24 hours. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported that over 5,800 homes were destroyed, with 41 classrooms partially damaged, impacting approximately 2,500 families. Authorities are conducting ongoing assessments, indicating that the damage figures may rise further.
In Pemba, communication has been challenging due to power outages, with residents conserving battery life for essential communications. Prior to striking Mozambique, Chido caused catastrophic destruction in Mayotte as a Category 4 Cyclone, with wind speeds surpassing 220 km/h significantly affecting communities.
On December 16, Tropical Cyclone Chido continued its path into inland Malawi, maintaining a strength classified as a minimal moderate tropical storm. The storm’s center passed through southern Malawi, resulting in strong winds and rainfall estimated at 100-150 mm. It is anticipated that Chido will re-enter Mozambique’s Tete Province, progressing towards Zimbabwe. Residents are advised to stay informed through their national meteorological services regarding the unfolding weather conditions.
The passage of Tropical Cyclone Chido highlights the vulnerability of Southern Africa to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change. Cyclones in this region have historically led to severe flooding, property destruction, and significant disruptions to communities. Chido’s impact is substantial, as its effects extend beyond Mozambique to Malawi and Zimbabwe, underscoring the need for reliable communication and disaster preparedness in these areas.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in extensive damage across Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, where infrastructure and homes have been severely affected. As the storm moves further inland into Malawi and eventually dissipates near Zimbabwe, ongoing assessments will be crucial for understanding the full extent of the destruction. The storm’s consequences reflect the broader challenges posed by climate-related disasters in the region.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va