Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall, affecting Mayotte and the Comoros with severe winds and rainfall. It poses a risk to approximately 2.5 million people, particularly in Mozambique and Malawi, prompting emergency preparedness efforts across the region. Flooding and mudslides are expected as Chido continues its path toward Northern Mozambique, with significant rainfall also anticipated in adjacent countries.
On December 14, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall near Mayotte and the Comoros, bringing intense winds and heavy rainfall that pose risks of flooding and mudslides. Approximately 2.5 million individuals, including over 1.7 million in Mozambique, are in the storm’s projected path. Following its passage near Madagascar on December 13, where no significant damage was reported, authorities are conducting assessments to gauge the cyclone’s impact and prepare for potential responses.
The cyclone is expected to impact Northern Mozambique by December 15, with damaging winds and wave heights reaching 10 meters anticipated along the coast. Heavy rains forecasted in the region may lead to flash flooding in Mozambique, Malawi, and surrounding countries, while the southern African interior may be affected later as the cyclone dissipates. Regional coordination among emergency services is underway to ensure timely responses to the cyclone’s effects, including the prepositioning of relief supplies and public advisories on safety precautions.
Chido has already brought severe weather to the Comoros, with destructive winds reported in Anjouan leading to structural damage and displacements. Additionally, the Comoros Red Cross has activated its emergency response plans. In Malawi as well, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has issued urgent warnings for southern districts, emphasizing preparedness for potential flooding and other damages. As this situation develops, monitoring and assessments remain crucial for effective humanitarian coordination and response throughout the region.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant weather event affecting Southern Africa during December 2024. Originating in the southeastern Indian Ocean, Chido developed rapidly, escalating to a Category 4 cyclone before weakening slightly. The cyclone’s trajectory has placed millions at risk, particularly in flood-prone areas across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Emergency response mechanisms are being activated across national borders as the storm’s impact threatens to generate not only immediate hazards but also long-term humanitarian crises.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a considerable threat to Southern Africa, with millions of individuals at risk of severe weather impacts. Ongoing assessments and coordinated emergency responses indicate a proactive approach by national and regional authorities. Efforts to prepare communities for potential flooding, as well as the establishment of effective emergency operations, will be critical in mitigating Chido’s impacts. The trajectory of the cyclone emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and support to vulnerable populations in the affected nations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
