Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated Southern Africa, particularly Mozambique and Malawi, with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and substantial destruction of homes and infrastructure. As assessments continue, the extent of the damage is expected to worsen, highlighting the need for effective disaster preparedness in the region.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across Southern Africa, particularly impacting Mozambique after making landfall on December 15. With wind gusts reaching 80 km/h, the cyclone unleashed over 250 mm of rain within a 24-hour period. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported that more than 5,800 homes have been destroyed, and widespread damage to infrastructure, including classrooms and power outages affecting 2,500 families, has been recorded. At this time, assessments are ongoing, and casualty figures are likely to rise.
Localized reports from Pemba highlight the severity of the situation, describing fierce winds and significant power outages that hinder communication. Residents are conserving battery power on their mobile devices for critical communications amidst ongoing power shortages. Prior to its landfall in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido caused extensive destruction in Mayotte, where it struck as a Category 4 cyclone, boasting winds over 220 km/h, which obliterated entire neighborhoods.
As of December 16, Chido continues to move inland, impacting Malawi with persistent winds and rainfall totaling between 100-150 mm. Current forecasts suggest the cyclone will re-enter Mozambique and is anticipated to dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and keep abreast of developments through local meteorological services as conditions evolve.
Tropical Cyclones pose immense threats to regions in Southern Africa, primarily due to their potential for causing substantial flooding and wind damage. The impact of Cyclone Chido serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of these communities to natural disasters. Its rapid development and path of destruction showcase the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and response measures across the affected nations in the region.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Southern Africa, especially Mozambique and Malawi, inflicting severe damage to homes and infrastructure and resulting in widespread power outages. The cyclone’s aftermath underscores the importance of disaster resilience in affected communities as assessments continue and recovery efforts are anticipated. The disaster response will necessitate close monitoring of weather updates to mitigate further risks associated with this natural disaster.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
