Tropical Cyclone Chido Update: Devastation in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, resulting in 45 deaths and impacting 184,000 individuals, primarily in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Malawi also reported 13 fatalities and 45,000 affected. Humanitarian assistance is ongoing, focusing on essential needs.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, causing catastrophic damage primarily in the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. As reported on December 18, the death toll has tragically reached 45 individuals, with 184,000 people affected. The storm resulted in over 35,000 homes destroyed or heavily damaged, as well as critical infrastructure including healthcare facilities and schools. Meanwhile, in Malawi, the storm led to 13 fatalities and affected an estimated 45,000 individuals. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to perform assessments and provide essential resources to impacted communities.

The cyclone unleashed winds of up to 260 km/h and brought torrential rainfall exceeding 250mm within a 24-hour period. Preliminary assessments in Cabo Delgado reveal that 60% of roofs in the region are damaged, with temporary shelters and resettlement centers for displaced individuals obliterated. In Malawi, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs confirmed 45,162 individuals affected, signifying a continuous escalation in the disaster’s impact. Although recovery efforts are ongoing, immediate needs include food, clean water, sanitation, and shelter supplies to aid the communities in need.

In Mayotte, Chido has also led to significant casualties, with reports indicating 22 dead and many others injured. Authorities have imposed curfews to mitigate rising concerns such as looting, while efforts are underway to restore access to clean drinking water, a critical priority for the community following the storm’s passage. Tropical Cyclone Chido developed in early December in the southeastern Indian Ocean and, following its landfall, weakened before dissipating near Zimbabwe on December 17.

Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged in early December 2024, originating as a tropical depression in the southeastern Indian Ocean. It escalated to a severe Category 4 cyclone before making landfall in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province. The affected regions experienced severe wind gusts and heavy rainfall, causing widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. This cyclone not only impacted Mozambique but also affected neighboring countries like Malawi and territories such as Mayotte, resulting in fatalities and displacing thousands. Humanitarian efforts are crucial as the affected populations face immediate needs following the disaster.

The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has left severe devastation across Mozambique, Malawi, and Mayotte, underscoring the need for urgent humanitarian assistance and resources. The rising death toll and extensive damages complicate recovery efforts, necessitating a coordinated response from humanitarian organizations to address food, water, sanitation, and shelter needs. As assessments continue, the focus must remain on supporting the vulnerable populations affected by the cyclone.

Original Source: reliefweb.int