Tropical Cyclone Chido Set to Impact Northern Mozambique in December 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido is expected to hit Pemba, Mozambique, on December 15, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Approximately 1.7 million individuals are at risk, with urban flooding concerns in several neighborhoods. The cyclone raises alarms about worsening cholera conditions in Nampula. A disaster management council has been monitoring river basins in the area, assessing their readiness and resilience against the cyclone’s impact.

Tropical Cyclone Chido is projected to make landfall in Pemba during the early hours of December 15, with the status of an Intense Tropical Cyclone. Assessments forecast substantial impacts on several provinces in northern Mozambique, namely Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, Tete, and to a lesser degree, Zambezia. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm within 24 hours and wind speeds reaching 120 km/h from December 15 to 17, matching the intensity of previous cyclones Gombe (2022) and Freddy (2023).

The WFP’s Disaster Analysis and Mapping (ADAM) system indicates that approximately 1.7 million people are at risk due to Cyclone Chido, with roughly one million individuals in Cabo Delgado susceptible to wind damage exceeding 120 km/h. On December 12, the Government-led Technical Council for Disaster Management convened in Maputo and reported that river basins were below alert levels. However, it is anticipated that several basins around the vulnerable areas may soon reach alert thresholds. Urban flooding is a considerable concern for Pemba City, with specific neighborhoods identified as high-risk zones, including Bairro Cariaco, Alto Chuiba, Eduardo Mondlane, Natite, Ingonane, and Paquetequete.

Moreover, the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula, which has recorded 283 cases and 21 fatalities as of December 11, raises significant alarms about deteriorating public health conditions due to the cyclone’s approach.

Tropical cyclones have historically posed significant threats to nations within Southeast Africa, particularly Mozambique, which has faced numerous severe weather events leading to widespread devastation. These storms are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the capacity to cause both direct damage from winds and indirect consequences via flooding and disease outbreaks. “Cyclone Chido” epitomizes these threats, with various provinces poised to experience intense meteorological phenomena. The region has recently grappled with recurrent natural disasters, highlighting the importance of robust disaster management strategies. The intersection of inclement weather conditions and existing public health emergencies, such as cholera outbreaks, magnifies susceptibility within affected populations. A comprehensive understanding of Cyclone Chido’s implications is critical for timely and effective response measures.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido is set to impact the northern provinces of Mozambique severely, particularly Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with expected intense rainfall and wind conditions from December 15 to 17. With a staggering number of 1.7 million people potentially affected, the cyclone also poses substantial risks to urban areas, leading to flooding and exacerbating existing health crises, such as cholera outbreaks. Coordination among governmental bodies and humanitarian agencies is essential to mitigate the cyclone’s impact and protect vulnerable populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int