Mozambique Prepares for Imminent Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido is poised to hit Pemba, Mozambique, on 15 December 2024. With potential winds of up to 120 km/h and heavy rainfall, approximately 1.7 million people face exposure to the cyclone’s impacts. The Government is implementing disaster preparedness measures, including activating alerts and establishing evacuation protocols. Concerns grow over the exacerbation of an ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula due to the cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is anticipated to make landfall in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, on 15 December 2024, classified as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. Forecasts indicate heavy precipitation of up to 200mm within a 24-hour period and sustained winds reaching 120 km/h. Approximately 1.7 million individuals are at risk, notably 1 million residing in Cabo Delgado, who may face severe wind conditions. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) is actively mobilizing assets and personnel to address vulnerabilities while the Emergency Preparedness and Response (ERP) Plan has been initiated to bolster readiness and response measures across affected provinces.

In anticipation of Cyclone Chido, precautionary measures have been intensified, with the Government declaring an orange alert and activating provincial Emergency Operational Centres (COEs). Early warning systems are in place to inform and advise populations in at-risk areas, fostering evacuation efforts ahead of the cyclone’s approach. The INGD is coordinating resources and is establishing accommodation centers for those displaced by the storm. Additionally, priority areas such as Bairro Cariaco in Pemba City are identified as susceptible to potential urban flooding, necessitating further vigilance.

Given the cyclone’s imminent arrival, there are concerns surrounding the existing cholera outbreak in Nampula, which has reported 283 cases and 21 deaths up to 11 December. The situation necessitates ongoing monitoring to mitigate the deteriorating sanitary conditions exacerbated by the cyclone. The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), together with humanitarian partners, is consolidating response strategies to ensure coordinated relief in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa as they brace for potential impacts of Cyclone Chido.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is a significant weather event impacting Mozambique, particularly the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. The cyclone’s severity, with predicted winds comparable to previous cyclones Gombe and Freddy, poses an immediate threat to millions of residents. The Government of Mozambique and various humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources and preparing communities for possible evacuations, emphasizing the importance of disaster readiness in the face of natural calamities. The broader context includes ongoing health crises, such as a cholera outbreak, which complicates response efforts during the cyclone’s landfall.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a serious threat to Mozambique, especially to the populations in Cabo Delgado and adjacent provinces. The proactive measures taken by the Government and humanitarian agencies are aimed at ensuring the safety and preparedness of vulnerable communities ahead of the cyclone’s arrival. Continuous monitoring and coordination among authorities will be crucial to effectively manage the disaster’s impact, especially amidst the existing health challenges.

Original Source: reliefweb.int