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Tropical Cyclone Chido is ravaging several countries in Southern Africa. An estimated 2.5 million people will be affected across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is ravaging several countries in Southern Africa. An estimated 2.5 million people will be affected across Mozambique, Malawi, and the Comoros. Chido caused significant damage in the Comoros, triggering national emergency response plans.
Several hundred people are feared dead after the cyclone hit the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on December 13. The storm uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and severely damaged the already fragile infrastructure of the impoverished archipelago. The French government is helping with relief efforts in Mayotte. According to reports, hundreds have been killed by Chido on the archipelago. This cyclone of a magnitude not seen in Mayotte in more than 90 years unleashed winds throughout the country that exceeded 200 km/h.
Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 Storm, made landfall in northern Mozambique on December 15 causing devastation and impacting an estimated 1.7M people in Mozambique. UNICEF has expressed its concern about the immediate and longer-term impacts on an already very vulnerable population.
Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology stated that with severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall (100-200mm within 12-24 hours), strong winds, and high seas with waves, it has lost all communication with the city.
By December 16, the Chido is forecast to sweep into southern Malawi, according to Météo-France, bringing heavy rains, gusty winds and further risk of flooding. The system is then expected to dissipate gradually by December 17th as it moves toward Zimbabwe. However, heavy rainfall may continue to affect several countries in the region, including Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Tanzania, and South Africa.
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Regional authorities, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are closely monitoring the situation, and issuing regular updates and warnings. They are also gearing up for relief supply and enhancing early warning systems.
