Cyclone Chido Leaves a Trail of Devastation

On December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique’s Mecufi District, Cabo Delgado Province, unleashing ferocious winds of 260 km/h, torrential rain of 250 mm in 24 hours, and severe thunderstorms. Preliminary reports from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) reveal a grim toll: 34 fatalities, 319 injuries, and 174,158 people affected (34,218 families). An estimated 35,000 homes were destroyed or damaged, alongside 9 schools and 10 health facilities. These figures are expected to rise as teams continue assessments.

Cyclone Chido’s Path of Destruction in Mozambique

Cyclone Chido, now downgraded to a depression, continues moving inland, with its center currently in Mozambique’s Tete Province. The storm is forecast to dissipate near Zimbabwe by December 17. Hard-hit areas in Cabo Delgado, such as Mecufi, Chiure, and Pemba, face severe disruptions to electricity and internet connectivity, complicating relief efforts.

Cabo Delgado resident Canjar Amade recounted his ordeal: “The wind tore apart my house during the night. By morning, it had completely collapsed.”

Meteorologist Acacio Tembe reported continued rains and strong winds in Niassa and Cabo Delgado Provinces, further challenging recovery efforts. Mozambique’s vulnerability to climate change underscores the urgency of bolstering resilience as cyclones increase in frequency and intensity due to La Niña effects predicted for early 2025.

A Regional Crisis: Malawi, Comoros, and Mayotte

Malawi

Malawi has reported significant impacts, with 34,741 people (7,721 families) affected, 7 fatalities, and damages across 16 districts, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA). Relief efforts are ongoing.

Comoros

The Comoros declared a week of national mourning after Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte and the islands of Anjouan and Moheli. Over 64,167 people were affected, with nine schools and 218 houses destroyed. An estimated 45% of agricultural crops were damaged, threatening food security.

Mayotte

Mayotte, largely spared by cyclones historically, faced an unprecedented disaster as Cyclone Chido struck on December 14 with winds exceeding 176 km/h and gusts of up to 226 km/h. The toll: 21 deaths, 830 injuries, and 100,000 displaced. Key infrastructure, including the airport and hospital, suffered extensive damage. Informal housing, home to one-third of Mayotte’s population, was completely destroyed.

French authorities imposed a curfew to prevent looting while international aid teams coordinated relief efforts. However, the scale of destruction has left thousands unaccounted for, especially undocumented immigrants.

Also read: Cyclone Chido Devastates The African archipelago of Mayotte

Zimbabwe and Beyond

In Zimbabwe, Chido brought only light showers in some areas, including Masvingo, despite earlier warnings of potential flooding. Authorities remain vigilant as the remnants of the cyclone traverse the region.

Heavy rainfall from Chido’s remnants is expected in parts of central and southern Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and northern South Africa. Communities are advised to remain alert to potential flash floods and landslides.

A Call for Resilience

Cyclone Chido is a stark reminder of Southern Africa’s vulnerability to extreme weather exacerbated by climate change. Countries must prioritise disaster preparedness and invest in resilient infrastructure to safeguard lives and livelihoods.

As Mozambique and neighbouring countries grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, the resilience of their people shines through. The region’s united response is a testament to the enduring strength and solidarity that defines Africa.

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Source: Reliefweb