Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Mozambique in December 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2024, with winds exceeding 200 km/h. The cyclone caused significant destruction in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. It resulted in many homes being partially or completely destroyed, emphasizing the urgency for improved disaster preparedness.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, primarily impacting the Mecufi district in Cabo Delgado province. The cyclone’s effects were felt widely, severely affecting Nampula province while also impacting Niassa, Tete, and Sofala provinces to a lesser extent. Wind gusts from the cyclone exceeded 200 km/h, leading to widespread destruction of infrastructure and numerous houses that were either partially or completely damaged.

The occurrence of tropical cyclones often poses significant threats to coastal regions, particularly in Mozambique, which has historically been vulnerable to such weather events. Seasonal predictions indicate increased cyclone activity due to favorable atmospheric conditions, necessitating preparedness and response strategies. The latest event, Cyclone Chido, exemplifies the severe impact these storms can entail on local communities and infrastructure, thereby stressing the importance of effective risk management and disaster response.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido’s landfall in Mozambique resulted in extensive damage, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. With winds exceeding 200 km/h, the cyclone has highlighted the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness measures in the face of increasing cyclone activity in the region. Ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations and infrastructure is critical to mitigating the effects of future storms.

Original Source: reliefweb.int