Tropical Cyclone Chido Strikes Southern Africa, Causing Widespread Damage

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, causing heavy rainfall and strong winds. It has destroyed over 5,800 homes and caused power outages affecting thousands. Before Mozambique, the cyclone devastated Mayotte significantly. Moving into Malawi, it continues to pose threats as it progresses. Residents are urged to stay updated through national weather services.

On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique, unleashing severe winds with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h, accompanying thunderstorms, and rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a 24-hour period. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported that Chido has significantly impacted the region, demolishing over 5,800 homes, damaging 41 classrooms, and bringing down power poles, which has left approximately 2,500 families without power. The situation is likely to worsen as assessments are ongoing.

Residents in Pemba are struggling with the effects of strong winds and power outages, resulting in intermittent mobile network connectivity. This has led individuals to conserve battery life on their phones for urgent communications. With communication hindered, charging devices is particularly challenging due to electricity shortages.

Before making landfall in Mozambique, Chido had already wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, where it struck as a Category 4 cyclone with wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h, leaving entire neighborhoods devastated. As the storm progresses, it is currently moving over southern Malawi, bringing continued wind and rainfall ranging from 100 to 150 mm, with expectations that it will re-enter Mozambique before dissipating near Zimbabwe.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is part of the ongoing climate challenges faced by the Southern African region. Cyclones in this area often lead to catastrophic consequences, including substantial infrastructure damage, loss of life, and prolonged displacement of communities. The effective tracking and timely warnings from meteorological services are crucial in mitigating the impacts of such natural disasters. The preparation and disaster response strategies of regional nations play a significant role in safeguarding their populations against severe weather events, particularly in vulnerable areas like Mozambique and Malawi.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused severe devastation across Southern Africa, especially in Mozambique and Mayotte, illustrating the significant challenges posed by natural disasters. The cyclone’s impact is ongoing, with damage assessments still in progress. As communities grapple with the aftermath, the importance of maintaining communication and adequate disaster response strategies is emphasized. Continued monitoring and adherence to weather forecasts are essential for the safety of residents in affected areas.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va