Tropical Cyclone Chido: Threat to Mozambique AfterMadagascar
The Mozambican National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued a warning about the potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on northern and central Mozambique, starting as early as this weekend.
Intensity and Projected Path
Chido intensified into a Category 3 tropical cyclone on Wednesday morning, the third-highest on a scale that goes up to 5. Projections indicate the cyclone will continue to strengthen and is expected to begin affecting Madagascar’s coastal and mainland regions on Friday.
INAM states, “Projections also indicate that there is a strong possibility that the meteorological system will cross the northern region of Madagascar and enter the Mozambique Channel from 12/14/2024, potentially affecting the northern and central regions.”
Tropical Cyclone #Chido is now the equivalent of a Cat 3 hurricane near #Agalega & will pass near the northern tip of #Madagascar Friday. Chido will go on to impact northern #Mozambique Sunday & Monday. pic.twitter.com/HhrObQHvDq
— Jason Nicholls 💙 (@jnmet) December 11, 2024
Meteorological updates further confirm this trajectory:
12/11 Late-afternoon update: #TropicalCycloneChido has rapidly intensified and continues as a powerful #TropicalCyclone. #Chido is forecast to pass north of #Madagascar with landfall over #Mozambique early next week. https://t.co/j2e0GnTPLg#ThinkWeather pic.twitter.com/NvDxNl1dma
— DTN Weather (@DTNWeather) December 11, 2024
Mozambique’s Vulnerability
Mozambique is among the countries most severely impacted by climate change. The country faces recurring floods and tropical cyclones during its rainy season, which runs from October to April.
The 2018/2019 rainy season was particularly devastating, resulting in 714 deaths—including 648 victims of Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, two of the largest storms ever to hit the country. Earlier this year, heavy rains and Cyclone Freddy caused another 306 deaths, affecting over 1.3 million people, destroying 236,000 homes and 3,200 classrooms according to official government data.
Tropical cyclone #Chido appearing to pick up speed as it heads past coast of Madagascar and on to Mozambique. Impact in Nampula province, where almost 4/5 households don’t have access to sanitation & over 1/2 don’t have access to safe water, would have major negative consequences pic.twitter.com/sl6SpqBDTd
— Guy Taylor (@guy_taylor) December 12, 2024
Call to Action
As Cyclone Chido approaches, it is crucial to stay informed about the potential impact and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Source: Lusa