Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impact on Mozambique and Malawi as of…

Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, currently affecting Malawi, causing fatalities, injuries, and displacing thousands. Emergency funds of $4 million have been allocated for immediate response efforts. The cyclone is expected to dissipate by December 17, but challenges remain in providing assistance due to severe infrastructural damage and access issues in affected areas.

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, and has moved into Malawi, delivering strong winds and heavy rain that have severely affected thousands. As of December 16, the cyclone has caused at least one death, injured several others, and impacted over 24,000 individuals, primarily in the Cabo Delgado province. Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to aid the urgent response efforts. Assessments are underway to determine the full scale of the disaster’s impact, which includes significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and essential services like schools and health facilities.

Heavy rains exceeding 250 mm and wind gusts up to 80 km/h were reported in the affected areas, with estimates suggesting 160,000 people in need of assistance. The hardest-hit areas include Mecufi, with access impeded by blocked roads and damaged communication systems. Approximately 60,000 people in Niassa Province are also expected to be affected as the cyclone progresses. The situation remains critical, with local authorities and humanitarian partners working to provide assistance despite ongoing challenges.

Cyclone Chido is expected to weaken and dissipate by December 17, likely affecting parts of Zimbabwe as it travels inland. Residents in Mozambique and Malawi are advised to monitor national meteorological updates due to ongoing threats of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and potential mudslides across various regions, not only within these two countries but also extending to Botswana, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among others.

The situation relates to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which originated as a tropical depression in the south-eastern Indian Ocean on December 7, 2024. After undergoing significant strengthening, reaching a Category 4 cyclone stage, it weakened slightly before making landfall in Mozambique. Cyclones in the region often cause devastating impacts including loss of life, widespread infrastructure damage, and humanitarian crises. Chido’s course across Southern Africa emphasizes the growing challenges posed by such natural disasters, particularly in vulnerable areas with limited resilience.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has posed severe challenges in Mozambique and Malawi, with considerable loss of life and widespread damage reported. The emergency response is underway with significant financial contributions from international funds while assessments continue. The cyclone is expected to dissipate soon, but the potential for additional negative impacts, including flooding and landslides, remains a concern for the wider region. Continued monitoring and support for affected communities will be critical in the recovery process.

Original Source: reliefweb.int