Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Southern Africa on 15 December 2023, bringing dangerous winds and heavy rainfall to Mozambique, which resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and impacted 2,500 families. The cyclone previously devastated Mayotte as a Category 4 storm and is currently advancing into Malawi. Authorities advise local residents to remain alert to weather updates amid ongoing assessments of the damage.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across Southern Africa, particularly affecting Mozambique where it made landfall on 15 December 2023. With wind gusts reaching 80 km/h and unprecedented rainfall surpassing 250 mm within 24 hours, the cyclone has led to the destruction of over 5,800 homes, the partial damage of 41 classrooms, and the downing of power poles, impacting approximately 2,500 families. Communication remains compromised, forcing residents to conserve phone battery for critical calls due to power outages.
Prior to striking Mozambique, Cyclone Chido significantly impacted the French territory of Mayotte, where it made landfall as a Category 4 Cyclone, generating winds exceeding 220 km/h and obliterating entire neighborhoods. As Chido progresses inland towards Malawi, it retains sufficient intensity to cause strong winds and substantial rainfall, with assessments indicating possible additional impacts upon re-entering Mozambique before potentially dissipating near Zimbabwe by 17 December. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and heed updates from local meteorological services regarding weather developments.
The Southern African region has been vulnerable to severe weather events, particularly tropical cyclones that can lead to extensive damage and destruction. Tropical Cyclone Chido exemplifies the challenges faced by communities in these areas, as it brings not only strong winds and heavy rainfall but also significant infrastructure damage that affects essential services. Such natural disasters often leave populations with limited resources and when they occur, prompt recovery efforts become crucial for affected regions.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused extensive destruction in Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique and Mayotte, leading to significant displacement and disruption of essential services. The ongoing assessments may reveal further damages as the cyclone continues its path toward Malawi and Zimbabwe. Attention and preparedness in facing the aftermath of this cyclone are essential for recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure and communication systems in vulnerable regions.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
