Tropical Cyclone Chido is set to hit Mozambique on December 15, 2024, with anticipated rainfall of 200mm and winds up to 120 km/h. The cyclone threatens 1.7 million people, particularly in Cabo Delgado. Preparations are underway by the government and humanitarian organizations, including early warning systems and resource allocation to mitigate the cyclone’s impact.
As of December 13, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido is projected to make landfall in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, early on December 15 as an Intense Tropical Cyclone. It is expected to bring heavy rainfall of up to 200mm within 24 hours and gusty winds reaching 120 km/h, similar in intensity to Cyclone Gombe in 2022 and Cyclone Freddy in 2023. Approximately 1.7 million individuals are at risk, including one million in Cabo Delgado potentially exposed to winds exceeding 120 km/h.
The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) has mobilized resources and personnel in preparation for the cyclone’s impact. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan has been activated, with readiness measures being reinforced. Key regions expected to be affected include Cabo Delgado and Nampula, along with Niassa, Tete, and possibly Zambezia. Urban flooding is a particular concern in Pemba City, where several neighborhoods face significant risk.
Moreover, the region is grappling with an ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula, which could worsen due to the cyclone’s impacts. Given these factors, the government has enacted an orange alert and is mobilizing provincial Emergency Operations Centres. Early warning systems are operational to facilitate timely evacuations, with alerts disseminated through various communication channels.
The INGD has also established a list of accommodation centers for evacuees and is prepositioning stocks for disaster relief. In addition, anticipatory action protocols are in place for specific districts in Nampula. Collaboration among humanitarian organizations is ongoing to ensure a robust response to the cyclone’s effects, with further assistance being sought from regional and international bodies as needed.
The impending landfall of Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a significant threat to Mozambique, specifically targeting the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Tropical cyclones in this region have historically caused severe challenges, including flooding and health crises such as cholera. The government and humanitarian partners have heightened their preparedness efforts in light of the cyclone’s forecast, drawing from previous experiences with recent cyclones to enhance response strategies and mitigate potential impacts on the vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido poses a considerable threat to northern Mozambique, particularly Pemba and surrounding areas, with expected heavy rainfall and damaging winds. With over 1.7 million people at risk and an ongoing cholera outbreak, the response measures implemented by the government and humanitarian organizations are crucial. Early warning systems, evacuation plans, and resource mobilization are pivotal in mitigating the cyclone’s impact as the situation unfolds.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
