Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, causing winds up to 80 km/h and over 250 mm of rain, leading to the destruction of thousands of homes and power outages affecting 2,500 families. The cyclone had previously devastated Mayotte and is now moving towards Malawi. Residents are urged to stay updated through national meteorological services as recovery efforts commence.

On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, resulting in severe weather conditions, including wind gusts up to 80 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm in just 24 hours. According to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the cyclone has already caused significant destruction, affecting over 5,800 homes and leaving 2,500 families without power. As assessments continue, these numbers are expected to rise. Communication in the affected areas has become problematic, with residents reserving their phone battery for critical communication due to widespread power outages. Before impacting Mozambique, Chido previously devastated the French territory of Mayotte, where it struck as a Category 4 cyclone, generating winds over 220 km/h and obliterating entire neighborhoods.

As of December 16, Cyclone Chido is moving inland into Malawi, maintaining its status as a moderate tropical storm. It has already brought considerable rainfall of 100-150 mm and strong winds to southern Malawi. The cyclone is anticipated to return to Mozambique and dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17. Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates from their national meteorological services to stay informed about the evolving conditions.

Cyclones are severe weather systems characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, devastating the livelihoods of communities in their path. Tropical Cyclone Chido exemplifies the destructive nature of these storms, particularly in Southern Africa, where such natural disasters are not uncommon. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) plays a crucial role in coordinating relief efforts and assessing damage during such emergencies. The cyclone adversely impacted Mozambique, Malawi, and the French territory of Mayotte, highlighting the susceptibility of these regions to severe tropical storms, leading to significant infrastructure damage and disruption of essential services.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique and Malawi, with catastrophic effects including widespread destruction of homes and power outages. While recovery efforts are underway, the ongoing assessments will continue to reveal the extent of the damage. These events underscore the importance of preparedness and the need for robust response mechanisms to assist affected populations in the wake of natural disasters.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va