Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Southern Africa – Flash Update #3

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, as a Category 4 storm. It brought destructive winds up to 260 km/h and heavy rains, affecting over 1.7 million people in Mozambique and 440,000 in Malawi. The cyclone is expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17, with forecasts indicating additional heavy rainfall in surrounding countries.

On December 15, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique as a Category 4 storm, approximately 35-40 kilometers south of the city of Pemba in Cabo Delgado Province. The cyclone brought destructive winds of up to 260 km/h, heavy rains amounting to 250 mm within 24 hours, and dangerous sea conditions. Affected areas include Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, as well as parts of Niassa, Tete, and Zambezia, where mobile networks experienced disruptions and preliminary damages to infrastructure were reported. As Chido dissipates, southern Malawi is expected to receive heavy rainfall and strong winds until December 17, potentially impacting over 2 million people across both nations. In the Comoros, Chido caused minor injuries and displacements due to flooding, although the impact was less severe than in Mayotte. Weather forecasts indicate further heavy rainfall in northern Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, raising concerns about flash floods and mudslides. The situation remains dynamic as authorities continue to monitor and respond to the effects of the cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Chido arose from a tropical depression in the southeastern Indian Ocean and strengthened into a Category 4 cyclone by December 10, 2024, progressing westward. This severe typhoon impacted Madagascar before making landfall in Mozambique. Cyclones in this region can cause significant destruction due to extreme winds and rainfall, often leading to humanitarian crises. The response involves national and international agencies working together to assess damage and provide necessary aid to affected populations.

The landfall of Tropical Cyclone Chido poses severe threats to the populations of Mozambique and Malawi, affecting over 2 million individuals with strong winds and heavy rains. The cyclone has caused infrastructure damage and power outages in Mozambique while prompting a humanitarian response in the region. As the system dissipates, further weather-related challenges such as flash flooding and mudslides are anticipated, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and preparedness efforts.

Original Source: reliefweb.int