Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mozambique: Key Updates and Response Efforts
Tropical Cyclone Chido formed on December 15 in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, impacting millions with 200 km/h winds and heavy rainfall. Initial estimates suggest that up to 2.5 million people could be affected, prompting a DREF application for response efforts in the most affected districts as the full extent of the damage is evaluated.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15 in the early hours, specifically in southern Cabo Delgado Province near the Nampula Province border, close to Pemba. Classified as a very intense Category 4 cyclone, it produced winds reaching 200 km/h, with gusts up to 250 km/h. The cyclone’s destructive winds and extremely heavy rainfall commenced around 3 am local time, with forecasts indicating that some areas might receive as much as 250 mm of rain within 24 hours. Areas affected include Mecu, Metuge, Ancuabe, Meluco, Ilha de Ibo, Quissanga, Pemba, as well as Nampula Province regions such as Memba, Nacala, and Mazambique Island.
The full extent of the cyclone’s impact remains unclear, but initial data suggests significant damage due to both strong winds and excessive rainfall, which may lead to flooding and landslides. Coastal areas are particularly at risk from storm surges, while some inland regions face potential flooding due to the cyclone’s proximity. Currently, Pemba has reported downed mobile networks, though some areas still maintain electricity.
This Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) application is presented based on the information gathered to empower the Mozambique Red Cross Society (CVM) to initiate response efforts in the severely impacted areas. A detailed assessment and response strategy will follow once further information is obtained. Preliminary estimates suggest that approximately 2.5 million individuals could be affected by TC Chido. The most severely impacted districts thus far include:
• Cabo Delgado Province: Districts such as Ancuabe, Balama, Chiure, Mecu, Metuge, Meluco, Ibo Island, Quissanga, Montepuez, and Pemba City, potentially affecting around 1.5 million residents.
• Nampula Province: Districts including Erati, Lalaua, Malema, Mecuburi, Memba, Nacaroa, and Nampula City, with an anticipated combined exposure for 730,000 individuals.
• Niassa Province: Districts like Cuamba, Madimba, Marrupa, Maua, Mecanhelas, Metarica, and Nipepe, expecting around 215,000 affected people.
Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a significant meteorological event impacting Mozambique, primarily characterized by extreme wind speeds and rainfall. This cyclone’s formation and landfall raise critical concerns about emergency response mechanisms in the affected regions. In Mozambique, storms of this magnitude can cause devastating consequences for communities, infrastructure, and essential services. Understanding the cyclone’s trajectory, potential damages, and human impact is vital for international and local aid efforts, as well as for future disaster preparedness initiatives. The current situation necessitates immediate action, which is being facilitated through various humanitarian channels.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused severe disruptions in northern Mozambique, particularly affecting communities in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces. With intense winds and substantial rainfall, residents are facing critical risks of flooding and infrastructure damage. As response efforts get underway, the focus will be on assessing the full extent of the damage and supporting the affected populations. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will continue to guide humanitarian responses to this disaster.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
