Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2023, in Mozambique, causing severe damage with winds of 200 km/h and heavy rainfall. An estimated 2.5 million people may be affected, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Response efforts are being initiated by organizations like CVM as communication networks have been disrupted, complicating assessment and relief work.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 15, 2023, in Cabo Delgado Province, near the border with Nampula Province, close to Pemba. Classified as a Category 4 cyclone, it delivered sustained winds of 200 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 250 km/h. The cyclone began causing damaging winds and heavy rainfall around 3 a.m. local time, leading to severe forecasts of up to 250 mm of rain within 24 hours. INAM warned of very high wind gusts in multiple areas, including Mecu, Metuge, Ancuabe, and Pemba city, as well as several districts in Nampula Province.
The impact of Cyclone Chido has been profound, with early estimates indicating that up to 2.5 million people may have been affected. Districts in Cabo Delgado such as Ancuabe, Balama, and Quissanga are experiencing high to very high damage levels. In addition, areas in Nampula Province, including Erati and the city of Nampula, have also reported exposure to the cyclone effects. Niassa Province’s districts of Cuamba, Marrupa, and others are also identified as impacted, with significant populations potentially at risk.
Currently, the situation remains dire; many mobile networks in Pemba have gone down, although electricity remains functional in certain locations. The potential for widespread flooding and landslides exists, given the cyclone’s heavy rainfall. A DREF application has been submitted, allowing CVM to initiate response measures in the worst-hit areas as they prepare for a more comprehensive needs assessment and response plan.
Cyclone Chido represents one of the most intense weather events to affect Mozambique in recent years. Landfalling near the border of Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, the cyclone has called for immediate humanitarian response efforts. Cabo Delgado has a history of severe weather events, making it vulnerable to such disasters. The impact areas included significant population centers, raising concerns about the overall humanitarian fallout. Organizations, such as the CVM, are integral in coordinating disaster response efforts amidst limited communication due to the cyclone’s disruptions.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has wrought significant devastation upon Mozambique, especially affecting Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. With an estimated 2.5 million people impacted and damage reports emerging from several districts, the situation remains critical. Prompt action and coordination by humanitarian organizations will be crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the affected populations amidst challenging conditions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
