Flash Update on Tropical Cyclone Chido Impacting Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido is poised to make landfall in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, on December 15, 2024, as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. With forecasts of up to 200mm of rain and winds of 120 km/h, approximately 1.7 million people are at risk. The INGD is prepositioning resources, and emergency preparedness plans have been activated to ensure a quick response to potential impacts.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is forecasted to strike Pemba, Cabo Delgado, early on December 15, 2024, categorized as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. The cyclone is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall of up to 200mm within 24 hours and winds reaching 120 km/h, comparable to the devastating Cyclones Gombe and Freddy in previous years. Approximately 1.7 million people are at risk, with 1 million located in Cabo Delgado facing potential wind damage.

The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) is proactively prepositioning resources and mobilizing staff in vulnerable areas while coordinating disaster response efforts. The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) has activated its Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan to reinforce readiness and enact emergency measures across affected regions.

Confirmed vulnerabilities include urban flood risks in Pemba City, particularly in neighborhoods like Bairro Cariaco and Eduardo Mondlane. There are heightened concerns regarding the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula, which has already claimed lives and could exacerbate due to the cyclone’s impact. The Government has issued an orange alert, indicating potential severe conditions, with early warning systems in place to facilitate public safety.

Evacuation advisories are being dispatched via multiple communication channels, including SMS and broadcast media. Facilities for displaced individuals have been arranged by the INGD, and anticipatory measures are being taken in pilot districts of Mogincual and Angoche in Nampula Province to ensure quick recovery and assistance.

The article provides an urgent update regarding Tropical Cyclone Chido, which is set to impact Mozambique, particularly in northern regions such as Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, and Tete. This cyclone poses significant risks due to its projected intensity and the potential for heavy rains and high winds. Past events, such as Cyclones Gombe and Freddy, offer context to the expected severity of Chido’s impact on local communities, emphasizing the need for proactive disaster preparedness in a region prone to tropical storms.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido presents a significant threat to Mozambique, with thousands of lives at risk from extreme weather conditions. The Government’s instigation of the orange alert and the HCT’s activation of the ERP Plan underline the urgency of the situation. Effective communication and preemptive measures are crucial in mitigating impacts and supporting affected communities, especially concerning the ongoing cholera crisis that could worsen due to the cyclone’s effects.

Original Source: www.unocha.org