Tropical Cyclone Chido: Impact and Response Update – December 14, 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido has impacted Mayotte and the Comoros as of December 14, 2024, affecting 2.5 million people in its projected path. Authorities are assessing damage following wind and rainfall, while preparations for landfall in Mozambique on December 15 are underway. Heavy rainfall is anticipated across several Southern African regions, raising concerns for flash floods and mudslides.

On December 14, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted the regions of Mayotte and the Comoros, bringing with it drastic weather conditions, including powerful winds and heavy rainfall. About 2.5 million individuals reside in Chido’s projected path, primarily within Mozambique (1.7 million), Malawi (440,000), and the Comoros (370,000). Following its passing near Madagascar on December 13, no damages or casualties have yet been reported, but local authorities are actively assessing the situation. Preparations are underway across the affected areas as regional authorities issue advisories and conduct loss assessments.

As Tropical Cyclone Chido progresses, it has caused destructive winds and flooding in Mayotte, surpassing the intensity of previous cyclones such as Tropical Kamisy from 1984. While Mayotte is expected to experience improved weather by late afternoon, significant dangers exist as Chido travels across the northern Mozambique Channel, with forecasts indicating landfall in northern Mozambique by December 15. In the Comoros, damage has been reported in Anjouan where five structures were destroyed, while officials continue search efforts for missing fishermen. Heavy rainfall is anticipated to affect Mozambique, Malawi, and surrounding areas, raising the risk of flash floods and mudslides.

The cyclone’s development began on December 7 in the southeastern Indian Ocean and quickly escalated to a Category 4 cyclone by December 10, subsequently weakening to Category 3 prior to impacting the region. Anticipated rainfall exceeds 150 mm across northern Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, adding pressure to the already vulnerable infrastructure in the area. Preparatory efforts by national services include re-evaluating emergency plans, mobilizing aid supplies, and establishing response coordination mechanisms to tackle the anticipated crisis.

In Madagascar, the temporary lifting of cyclone warnings along the northwest coast grants residents respite, as ongoing monitoring and assessment are being conducted. The collaborative efforts of local and international entities focus on ensuring safety and effective responses to the impending threats posed by Cyclone Chido.

Tropical cyclones are powerful storms that typically originate over warm ocean waters and can have devastating impacts on coastal and inland regions. The meteorological conditions that lead to their formation are complex and require careful monitoring. Cyclone Chido, which developed in early December 2024, is part of a broader trend of severe weather events affecting Southern Africa. The regions of Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros are particularly vulnerable to such extreme weather due to their geographical and climatic conditions. As populations grow and urban areas expand in these countries, the risks associated with natural disasters increase, necessitating proactive preparedness and response strategies from local governments and humanitarian organizations.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido poses significant risks to Southern Africa, particularly affecting Mayotte, the Comoros, Mozambique, and Malawi. With forecasts indicating heavy rainfall and the potential for flooding and mudslides, effective emergency response efforts are critical. Cooperation among regional authorities and humanitarian organizations is essential to mitigate the cyclone’s impacts and ensure that the affected populations receive necessary support and aid in a timely manner.

Original Source: www.unocha.org