Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, bringing severe weather with winds up to 80 km/h and heavy rainfall exceeding 250 mm. The cyclone has caused significant damage, destroying over 5,800 homes and affecting power supply to 2,500 families. It previously devastated Mayotte as a Category 4 storm and is now advancing into Malawi, expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe.
On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, inflicting severe weather conditions characterized by winds reaching 80 km/h, thunderstorms, and rainfall surpassing 250 mm within a 24-hour period. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported substantial destruction, including over 5,800 homes and significant damage to 41 classrooms. The cyclone has led to widespread power outages affecting about 2,500 families, with ongoing assessments expected to reveal greater impacts.
In Pemba, locals described relentless winds and challenging communication conditions due to intermittent mobile service. They are conserving battery power on their devices for critical communication. Prior to its impact on Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, where it made landfall as a Category 4 cyclone with wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h, completely flattening several neighborhoods.
As of December 16, Chido has moved inland towards Malawi, maintaining a minimal intensity of a moderate tropical storm. Current updates indicate that the cyclone’s center has traversed southern Malawi, bringing heavy rains (between 100-150 mm) and strong winds. The system is expected to re-enter Mozambique before potentially dissipating near Zimbabwe on December 17. Residents in both Mozambique and Malawi are advised to keep abreast of weather updates through their national meteorological services.
Tropical cyclones pose significant threats to the regions they affect, particularly in Southern Africa where such weather events can lead to extensive property damage, loss of life, and disruption of essential services. Cyclone Chido exemplifies this reality, having transitioned from one of the strongest storm classifications to a moderate tropical storm as it moves inland. Understanding the development and trajectory of cyclones is crucial for effective disaster preparedness and response.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused substantial damage in Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, where severe winds and heavy rainfall have resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and ongoing power outages. With predictions of further impacts as the cyclone moves into Malawi and potentially into Zimbabwe, the necessity for vigilant weather monitoring and community resilience measures is paramount. As assessments continue, the humanitarian implications of this disaster are becoming increasingly evident.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
