Tropical Cyclone Chido: Threats and Impacts on Northern Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido is projected to impact Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15, with severe weather conditions including heavy rainfall and strong winds affecting multiple northern provinces. Preliminary assessments indicate that 1.7 million individuals are at risk, with particular concern for the cholera outbreak in Nampula. The Government is monitoring river basins for possible alert levels, signaling potential flooding in urban areas.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is anticipated to make landfall in Pemba, Mozambique, on Sunday, December 15, bringing with it the severity of an Intense Tropical Cyclone. The provinces most likely to be affected include Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with additional impacts expected in Niassa, Tete, and to a lesser extent, Zambezia. Predicted heavy rainfall of up to 200mm within a 24-hour period and strong winds reaching 120 km/h are projected from December 15 to 17.

According to the Disaster Analysis and Mapping (ADAM) system managed by the World Food Programme (WFP), approximately 1.7 million individuals are likely to face exposure to the storm, with one million in Cabo Delgado at risk of severe wind damage. The Technical Council for Disaster Management of the Government convened in Maputo on December 12 and reported that all river basins are currently below alert levels, although certain basins in vulnerable areas may approach these levels. Urban flooding is a notable risk for Pemba City, particularly in neighborhoods such as Bairro Cariaco and Alto Chuiba.

Concerns are also mounting regarding the potential exacerbation of the cholera outbreak in Nampula, where 283 cases and 21 fatalities were reported as of December 11. The impact of Cyclone Chido on the ongoing public health crisis is of significant concern, as indicated by the OCHA on December 13, 2024.

The impending threat of Tropical Cyclone Chido comes as Mozambique is increasingly susceptible to tropical weather systems that can lead to detrimental impacts on communities. Cyclones in the region have historically caused severe infrastructural damage and loss of life. This cyclone is particularly concerning due to the ongoing cholera outbreak that could worsen with additional strain on health services as resources are redirected to manage the cyclone’s impact. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective disaster management and response planning.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido presents a significant risk to large populations in northern Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula. The forecasts predict severe weather conditions that could lead to devastating impacts on both infrastructure and public health, notably exacerbating the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula. Timely and efficient response measures will be critical in mitigating these risks and safeguarding affected communities.

Original Source: reliefweb.int