Malawi Prepares for Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido

Malawi is on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Chido approaches, expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding to southern regions. The cyclone has maximum winds of 250 km/h and may affect 11 districts. Preparations are underway, with authorities advising residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate. Additionally, the country faces food shortages due to previous El Niño conditions, and the World Food Program stands ready to assist if necessary.

Malawi is currently under high alert due to the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Chido. As of Friday, meteorological officials indicated that Chido, positioned northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, is expected to unleash heavy rainfall and flooding across southern regions of Malawi. The cyclone has retained peak winds of 250 kilometers per hour and is projected to maintain its strength while moving westward, which raises concerns of significant rainfall in multiple districts.

The Malawian Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services reported that Cyclone Chido is anticipated to impact eleven districts in the south, including Mangochi, Machinga, and Blantyre, before making landfall on Sunday near Nacala, Mozambique. Following the cyclone’s impact, heavy rains and flooding are likely to persist until Tuesday. In light of this, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs has instructed residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground and heed evacuation directives.

Chipiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, conveyed to the Voice of America (VOA), “We have alerted all [district] councils and activated all clusters for swift preparatory and anticipatory actions.” He added that a coordinated response involving the Malawi Defense Force, police, and the Malawi Red Cross Society has been established for search and rescue operations. This cyclone arrives shortly after Cyclone Freddy, which devastated southern Malawi last year, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities and substantial agricultural losses.

Additionally, the country has grappled with El Niño-induced drought and resulting food shortages that have afflicted over a quarter of Malawi’s 20 million residents. Paul Turnbull, the World Food Program (WFP) country director, discussed the agency’s preparedness, stating that the WFP has food stocks available and is ready to assist the government if Cyclone Chido creates a further need for food aid. He noted, “These stocks were mainly intended to be food assistance for people affected by El Nino as the requirement for El Nino persists.” Should additional food assistance be required due to the cyclone’s aftermath, the WFP will seek support to ensure ongoing assistance for those affected by El Niño conditions and potential cyclone impacts.

The threat of Tropical Cyclone Chido is pertinent for Malawi, a nation still recovering from the devastating impacts of Cyclone Freddy a year prior, which resulted in extensive fatalities and agricultural destruction. This latest cyclone adds to the challenges Malawi faces, particularly in the context of prevailing El Niño weather patterns that have led to drought and food insecurity. As of now, the country is grappling with the prospect of heavy rains and flooding that could aggravate the existing humanitarian crisis, requiring systematic emergency responses from government and aid organizations.

In conclusion, Malawi’s preparations for Tropical Cyclone Chido underscore the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens in light of looming natural disasters. With prior experience from Cyclone Freddy still fresh, officials are mobilizing resources and coordinating agencies to respond effectively and mitigate potential impacts. Meanwhile, the ongoing risks posed by El Niño and the resulting food shortages further complicate the humanitarian landscape, necessitating a collaborative effort to address the needs of affected communities. The proactive measures taken indicate an understanding of the severe challenges posed by such cyclones and a commitment to resilience through preparedness and response strategies.

Original Source: www.voanews.com