Mozambique Braces for Tropical Cyclone Chido: Preparedness Measures Activated

Tropical Cyclone Chido is set to impact Mozambique, particularly Pemba, on 15 December 2024, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Approximately 1.7 million individuals are at risk, with specific preparation measures activated by the National Institute for Disaster Management. The government has confirmed an orange alert and is coordinating responses to safeguard vulnerable areas from the anticipated cyclone effects.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is poised to make landfall in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, on 15 December 2024, with the potential to bring severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall of up to 200mm within a 24-hour period and wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h. Approximately 1.7 million individuals are at risk, particularly in Cabo Delgado, where 1 million residents may face winds exceeding the stated threshold.

The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) is actively preparing for the cyclone’s impact by prepositioning resources and coordinating with emergency teams in vulnerable regions. The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) has initiated its Emergency Preparedness and Response (ERP) Plan to bolster readiness and ensure effective early action in facing this disaster.

The projected path of Cyclone Chido indicates significant impacts across several northern provinces, notably Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with possible effects felt in Niassa, Tete, and Zambezia as well. Despite the government’s confirmation that river basins are currently below alert levels, certain basins near at-risk areas may soon hit alert thresholds, prompting concerns among local authorities.

Pemba City is particularly vulnerable to urban flooding, affecting various neighborhoods. Furthermore, the cyclone may exacerbate the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula, which has already resulted in 283 reported cases and 21 fatalities as of 11 December.

In response to these threats, the government has issued an orange alert, activating provincial Centers for Operational Emergencies (COEs) in high-risk areas, with a potential escalation to a red alert depending on the cyclone’s severity. Effective early warning systems have been established to facilitate timely evacuations and ensure residents are informed through various communication channels.

Additionally, the INGD has compiled a list of accommodation centers for those displaced by the cyclone. The government has also activated Anticipatory Action protocols in the pilot districts of Mogincual and Angoche, Nampula. Collaboration with humanitarian partners is ongoing to consolidate and enhance response capabilities in target areas, underscoring a unified effort in addressing the impending challenges posed by Cyclone Chido.

The impending threat of Tropical Cyclone Chido emerges in the context of Mozambique’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly tropical cyclones. The nation has faced substantial impacts from previous cyclones, such as Gombe in 2022 and Freddy in 2023, which have demonstrated the significant risks posed by heavy rainfall and strong winds. This current alert serves as a reminder of the need for effective disaster management strategies to protect the population and mitigate the consequences of severe weather. The government, humanitarian organizations, and international bodies are generally mobilized to coordinate response efforts and ensure the safety of at-risk communities.

Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a considerable threat to the northern provinces of Mozambique, particularly Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with millions of residents exposed to severe weather impacts. Robust measures are being implemented by the National Institute for Disaster Management and humanitarian partners to prepare for potential landfall on 15 December. The emphasis on early warning and proactive response aims to safeguard the vulnerable populations and mitigate the effects of this natural disaster as the situation evolves.

Original Source: www.unocha.org