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Cyclone Chido to make landfall in Zimbabwe on Monday
14 Dec 2024 at 11:26hrs | Views
Cyclone Chido, currently wreaking havoc across the Indian Ocean, is set to make landfall in Mutoko, northeast of Zimbabwe, on Monday, 16 December, at around midday. This was confirmed by James Ngoma, head of forecasting at Zimbabwe's Meteorological Services Department, during a press briefing today at the Department of Civil Protection in Harare.
Ngoma explained that while Cyclone Chido is causing significant destruction in the Indian Ocean, it is expected to be less severe when it reaches Zimbabwe. “We are approximating that it will reach Zimbabwe from 16 December from around 12 noon going into the 17th of December,” Ngoma said.
The cyclone, which is currently located northeast of Madagascar, will first make landfall in the city of Antsiranana in northern Madagascar at 2 PM today before making its way toward Mozambique. Ngoma indicated that the cyclone's path could change, noting that it had altered direction recently. Cyclone Chido is traveling at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour, but its path could shift further as it progresses.
Six provinces in Zimbabwe are currently on the watch list, including Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, and Harare Metropolitan. These areas are being closely monitored, though they are not yet in the alert category. Ngoma explained that once the cyclone's trajectory becomes clearer, specific provinces may be placed in the alert category.
Ngoma cautioned that tropical cyclones like Chido can change course unpredictably, similar to the destructive path of Tropical Cyclone Fred, which caused devastation in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi. "These cyclones can move in a haphazard manner, especially when they touch land," Ngoma said.
As it makes its way inland, Cyclone Chido is expected to lose some of its strength. The cyclone's current wind speeds are between 210 to 220 kilometers per hour, causing widespread destruction. However, by the time it reaches Zimbabwe, it is expected to have weakened, with wind speeds projected at 45 to 50 kilometers per hour. Ngoma emphasized that these estimates could change, and the department will continue to monitor the situation closely.
The public is urged to stay informed as the storm approaches, with the Meteorological Services Department promising further updates as conditions evolve over the weekend.
Ngoma explained that while Cyclone Chido is causing significant destruction in the Indian Ocean, it is expected to be less severe when it reaches Zimbabwe. “We are approximating that it will reach Zimbabwe from 16 December from around 12 noon going into the 17th of December,” Ngoma said.
The cyclone, which is currently located northeast of Madagascar, will first make landfall in the city of Antsiranana in northern Madagascar at 2 PM today before making its way toward Mozambique. Ngoma indicated that the cyclone's path could change, noting that it had altered direction recently. Cyclone Chido is traveling at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour, but its path could shift further as it progresses.
Ngoma cautioned that tropical cyclones like Chido can change course unpredictably, similar to the destructive path of Tropical Cyclone Fred, which caused devastation in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi. "These cyclones can move in a haphazard manner, especially when they touch land," Ngoma said.
As it makes its way inland, Cyclone Chido is expected to lose some of its strength. The cyclone's current wind speeds are between 210 to 220 kilometers per hour, causing widespread destruction. However, by the time it reaches Zimbabwe, it is expected to have weakened, with wind speeds projected at 45 to 50 kilometers per hour. Ngoma emphasized that these estimates could change, and the department will continue to monitor the situation closely.
The public is urged to stay informed as the storm approaches, with the Meteorological Services Department promising further updates as conditions evolve over the weekend.
Source - online
