Hailstorm hits Bulawayo as Cyclone Chido looms

Bulawayo was battered by a fierce hailstorm yesterday evening, with strong winds, lightning, and balls of ice carpeting the streets and open spaces. The storm, which lasted approximately 20 minutes before tapering off into light rain, caught many pedestrians and motorists by surprise, creating scenes of chaos across the city.

The intensity of the storm caused significant damage in some areas, with reports indicating that strong winds blew off roofs at Ntabazinduna flats in Barbourfields suburb.

The hailstorm comes as Zimbabwe braces for Tropical Cyclone Chido, expected to reach the country tomorrow afternoon. The cyclone, which is currently intensifying over Madagascar with wind speeds of up to 220km/h, is anticipated to weaken significantly as it approaches Zimbabwe. Despite this, it is forecast to bring heavy rains and winds averaging 50km/h, posing risks to infrastructure and public safety.

The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has activated emergency response measures to mitigate the potential impact of Cyclone Chido. Speaking to journalists, CPU Director Mr. Nathan Nkomo emphasized the importance of readiness, highlighting ongoing efforts to establish evacuation points in vulnerable areas and allocate resources for disaster response.

"Cyclone Chido will bring much-needed rain, but it is unfortunate that cyclones cause disasters," he said. "Cabinet has already approved our budget for disaster response, and we are activating all systems to ensure minimal damage and loss of life."

The cyclone is projected to make landfall in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province today, with wind speeds of 155km/h before weakening as it moves inland. By the time it reaches Zimbabwe, the storm's intensity is expected to diminish, but meteorologists warn of heavy rains and localized flooding in provinces such as Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands, and Harare.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has estimated that 2.7 million people across six Southern African countries, including Zimbabwe, will be affected by Cyclone Chido.

Mozambique is likely to bear the brunt of the cyclone's fury, with heavy rains of up to 200mm in 24 hours and winds exceeding 120km/h expected in Pemba. Malawi is also on alert for flash floods as remnants of the cyclone pass through the region.

Meteorological Services Department head of forecasting Mr. James Ngoma warned of potential destruction, including uprooted trees, blown-off roofs, and flooding. He noted that while Cyclone Chido's winds will weaken to around 50km/h by the time it reaches Zimbabwe, other weather systems from Botswana are expected to bring violent thunderstorms and continuous rainfall across the country.

Weather experts predict that the inter-tropical convergence zone and cloud bands from Botswana will bring additional rainfall to Zimbabwe in the days leading up to Christmas. This could further complicate the country's festive season plans, with localized flooding and infrastructure damage a looming concern.

As Cyclone Chido approaches, residents are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to weather updates, and prepare for the possibility of severe weather. The CPU and other authorities continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for collective action to mitigate the cyclone's impact.