Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Southern Africa: Situation Update as of December 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted over 274,000 individuals in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros, causing extensive home and infrastructure destruction. The cyclone made landfall with winds of 260 km/h and has resulted in 34 deaths in Mozambique alone. Humanitarian teams are mobilizing to provide urgent assistance while assessments continue in the hardest-hit regions, as additional weather-related challenges loom across Southern Africa.

As of December 17, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Reports indicate that over 174,000 individuals in Mozambique, 34,000 in Malawi, and 64,000 in the Comoros have been affected by the cyclone, which has destroyed thousands of homes. Despite weakening into a depression, Cyclone Chido has caused severe damage, leading to ongoing assessments and urgent humanitarian efforts. Field teams are actively providing assistance in the worst-hit regions.

On December 15, Cyclone Chido made landfall in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, with winds reaching approximately 260 km/h and heavy rainfall causing widespread devastation. Preliminary reports from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre indicate 34 fatalities and extensive property damage, with approximately 35,000 structures either destroyed or damaged. The cyclone’s aftermath has impeded electricity and internet connectivity, complicating response efforts.

In Malawi, the cyclone has reportedly affected at least 34,741 individuals, resulting in seven deaths across 14 districts and three cities. Meanwhile, in the Comoros, national mourning was declared following the storm, which injured five and impacted over 64,000 people, particularly in Anjouan, where agriculture has suffered significant losses.

Furthermore, in Mayotte, Cyclone Chido struck with unprecedented ferocity, leading to 21 fatalities and impacting over 100,000 residents who have sought refuge in emergency centers. The cyclone has caused extensive structural damage, including the destruction of informal housing and critical infrastructure.

Meteorological predictions report heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding across several regions of Southern Africa due to the cyclone’s residual moisture. Communities are advised to remain alert as they face additional threats from landslides and strong winds.

Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged as a significant natural disaster affecting several countries in Southern Africa in December 2024. Initiating as a tropical depression in the Indian Ocean, it escalated to a severe cyclone, resulting in severe weather events characterized by high winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone landed in Mozambique, causing widespread destruction and necessitating an urgent humanitarian response. Subsequent assessments are ongoing to address the recovery needs of the affected populations across the impacted areas.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has wrought considerable destruction across Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. The combination of severe weather conditions and resultant humanitarian crises underscores the need for immediate assistance and long-term recovery efforts. As assessments progress and response measures are implemented, the focus will remain on providing essential aid and rebuilding affected communities. Continuous monitoring and meteorological forecasts will be critical as the region navigates the ongoing challenges posed by this disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int