Tropical Cyclone Chido is impacting Southern Africa, particularly affecting Mayotte, Comoros, and Mozambique. With over 2.5 million people in its path, significant risks of flooding and mudslides are anticipated. Authorities are enacting emergency responses and advisories as Chido approaches landfall.
On 14 December 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted the Southern African region, particularly affecting Mayotte, the Comoros, and parts of Mozambique. The cyclone is expected to bring dangerously strong winds and heavy rainfall, posing a threat of flooding and mudslides to approximately 2.5 million individuals in its projected path. Mozambique is at particular risk, with over 1.7 million people potentially affected. As Chido progresses, assessments and preparations are ongoing to mitigate the anticipated impacts. Local authorities are actively monitoring the cyclone’s progression and issuing advisories to ensure public safety. Immediate responses include prepositioning relief supplies and activating emergency response mechanisms in affected areas.
Tropical Cyclone Chido developed in the southeastern Indian Ocean Basin on 7 December 2024. It intensified rapidly, reaching Category 4 status on 10 December before weakening to Category 3 by 13 December. Its path took it close to the north of Madagascar, where no significant damages were reported, although maritime navigation remains restricted. Upon its landfall, the cyclone could disrupt weather conditions dramatically across impacted nations, prompting precautionary measures from regional authorities. The humanitarian response is being coordinated to address potential disaster impacts, particularly in Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros, where the risk of flooding is acute due to expected rainfall.
The situation caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido is dynamic and presents serious risks to many residents across Southern Africa. Regional authorities are mobilizing resources, prepositioning supplies, and implementing response strategies to mitigate potential damages from extreme weather conditions. It is imperative for residents in the projected path of the cyclone to heed warnings and prepare accordingly. Continued monitoring and assessments will be crucial as the cyclone progresses and its impact unfolds.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
