Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Widespread Damage in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido has impacted Mozambique and Malawi with strong winds and heavy rain, causing destruction and displacing thousands. At least one fatality has been reported, alongside injuries and extensive property damage. The UN has allocated funds for emergency help, and assessments continue despite challenges. The cyclone is expected to dissipate by 17 December while rainfall remains a concern in the region.

As of 16 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique and is currently moving into Malawi, causing significant disruption through strong winds and heavy rainfall. Wind gusts reached up to 80 km/h, and areas have experienced rainfall exceeding 250 mm in a single day. Casualties have been reported, with at least one confirmed death along with numerous injuries, while thousands of people have been affected. The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has allocated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for immediate emergency assistance, with needs assessments ongoing despite challenges in communication and mobility.

The cyclone has caused extensive damage to infrastructure in affected regions, leaving approximately 160,000 individuals in Cabo Delgado in need of urgent assistance. Mecufi has emerged as the most heavily impacted area, further complicated by access issues due to blocked roads. Preliminary reports indicate significant damage to housing and schools, with power outages affecting thousands.

As Chido continues its path, it is projected to weaken and dissipate near Zimbabwe by 17 December. In addition, southern Malawi is experiencing adverse effects, with initial reports indicating significant household damage and a concerning number of fatalities and injuries. Heavy rainfall is predicted to persist, with additional regions such as northern Mozambique and parts of southern Africa facing risks of flash floods and mudslides due to other weather systems. The situation remains dynamic, prompting advisories to residents to remain informed through national meteorological services as the cyclone progresses.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is a significant meteorological event affecting Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique and Malawi. Evolving from a tropical depression in early December 2024, it intensified to a Category 4 cyclone before weakening. The cyclone’s impact includes severe weather conditions such as strong winds exceeding 80 km/h and extensive rainfall exceeding 250 mm in certain areas. These conditions have contributed to casualties, displacement, and damage to infrastructure, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters. Emergency response efforts are currently impeded by difficulties in communication and transportation, thus complicating assessments and aid distribution.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has led to devastating impacts in Mozambique and Malawi, resulting in casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. The United Nations has mobilized financial resources to facilitate immediate humanitarian assistance, with ongoing assessments highlighting the urgent needs of the affected populations. The situation remains fluid, with forecasts indicating further heavy rainfall in several regions, raising concerns for potential flooding and further humanitarian challenges. Communities are urged to stay updated via official meteorological channels as recovery efforts commence.

Original Source: reliefweb.int