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Tropical Cyclone Chido: Devastation and Response in Southern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted Southern Africa, affecting over 174,000 in Mozambique, 34,000 in Malawi, and 64,000 in the Comoros. Wind speeds reached 260 km/h in Mozambique, resulting in significant fatalities and infrastructure damage. Response efforts are underway despite challenges such as power outages and limited communications.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. As of December 17, 2024, more than 174,000 individuals in Mozambique, 34,000 in Malawi, and 64,000 in the Comoros have been affected by this devastating cyclone, leading to substantial destruction and displacement. Currently, Chido has weakened into a depression but continues to cause serious concerns in the region, which includes ongoing assessments and urgent humanitarian efforts by field teams.

In Mozambique, Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2024, with winds reaching up to 260 km/h and heavy rainfall causing severe damage. This resulted in 34 fatalities and injuries reported to 319 individuals. Approximately 35,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, and critical infrastructure, including schools and health facilities, was also impacted. The cyclone has since moved inland, now classified as a depression, and is expected to dissipate near Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, widespread power outages and connectivity issues are complicating the emergency response efforts.

In Malawi, the cyclone has caused at least seven deaths and affected more than 34,700 individuals, including damage across 16 districts. The situation remains dire as various regions grapple with severe impacts from the storm. The Comoros declared a national week of mourning due to the cyclone’s devastating effects, especially on Anjouan, where thousands were affected, and significant crop damage was reported. Infrastructure damage and limited resources hinder the recovery process across affected areas in these nations.

Notably, Mayotte experienced unprecedented winds, with Cyclone Chido reaching dangerous speeds, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction. Roads were rendered impassable, and key infrastructure destruction included the local airport and the central hospital. Aid efforts remain challenged due to disabled communication networks, complicating damage assessments and response coordination.

Due to the ongoing threat of heavy rainfall, authorities have cautioned communities throughout central and southern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Zimbabwe, and parts of southern Africa to remain vigilant for flash flooding, landslides, and strong winds. As the situation continues to evolve, updated weather forecasts will guide residents in affected areas to ensure safety and preparedness.

The Southern African region faces significant challenges with tropical cyclones, which occur particularly during specific seasons. Tropical Cyclone Chido serves as a reminder of the devastating potential these storms possess, demonstrated through the loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and displacement of thousands of individuals across several countries. The Southern African Development Community’s Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre plays a critical role in coordinating responses, assessing damage, and ensuring effective aid distribution.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has wrought havoc across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros, with devastating impacts and urgent humanitarian needs emerging from the affected regions. As field teams provide essential assistance and ongoing assessments reveal the full scope of the damage, the importance of coordinated response efforts becomes clear. The potential for future weather events remains high, necessitating continued vigilance and communal preparedness in impacted areas.

Original Source: reliefweb.int

Oliver Grayson is a noted investigative reporter whose work has spanned over 20 years in various newsrooms worldwide. He has a background in economics and journalism, which uniquely positions him to explore and uncover stories that intersect finance and public policy. Oliver is widely respected for his ability to tackle complex issues and provide clarity and insight into crucial global matters.

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