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Cyclone Chido to bring heavy storms across Zimbabwe
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Tropical Cyclone Chido is expected to make landfall in Zimbabwe today, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has announced. While the cyclone has weakened after moving west-southwestward over land, it is expected to bring widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, compounded by moisture from the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone.
James Ngoma, the MSD's head of forecast, explained that Cyclone Chido's remnants will have a significant impact across the country from today through December 22. He noted that the cyclone's influence, combined with a cloud band from the west, will lead to violent storms, particularly in provinces such as Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, and southern parts of Midlands.
"Despite the anticipation of heavy rainfall exceeding 50mm in some provinces, the risk of flooding remains low due to the recent dry spell," said Ngoma. "However, the heat experienced last week across Zimbabwe could intensify these storms, bringing risks of lightning, strong winds, and hailstorms in certain areas."
Authorities and disaster management agencies are urging communities to prepare for adverse weather conditions by stocking essential supplies and closely following official updates.
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has been placed on high alert in response to the approaching cyclone. Nathan Nkomo, the CPU's director, assured the public that the department is fully prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise.
"We are monitoring the situation continuously through updates from the MSD and the climate service center," Nkomo stated. "We've allocated an initial budget of US$1.6 million for response efforts, focusing on coordination, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) issues, and supporting vulnerable communities to ensure that every life is saved."
Cyclone Chido has already caused significant damage in Mozambique, where it made landfall early yesterday near the northern city of Pemba. With winds exceeding 200 km/h and rainfall rates of up to 30mm per hour, the cyclone triggered flash flooding in coastal areas. Many homes, schools, and health facilities were partially or completely destroyed, according to UNICEF Mozambique, which has deployed teams to assist affected families.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately 2.7 million people across six Southern African countries will be impacted by the cyclone.
Weather experts have compared Cyclone Chido to Cyclones Gombe and Freddy, which caused widespread destruction in the region in 2022 and 2023. Although Zimbabwe is expected to face less severe effects than Mozambique, the cyclone's gusts could still damage infrastructure and uproot trees in affected areas.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety precautions as Zimbabwe braces for the week of storms and heavy rainfall.
James Ngoma, the MSD's head of forecast, explained that Cyclone Chido's remnants will have a significant impact across the country from today through December 22. He noted that the cyclone's influence, combined with a cloud band from the west, will lead to violent storms, particularly in provinces such as Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, and southern parts of Midlands.
"Despite the anticipation of heavy rainfall exceeding 50mm in some provinces, the risk of flooding remains low due to the recent dry spell," said Ngoma. "However, the heat experienced last week across Zimbabwe could intensify these storms, bringing risks of lightning, strong winds, and hailstorms in certain areas."
Authorities and disaster management agencies are urging communities to prepare for adverse weather conditions by stocking essential supplies and closely following official updates.
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has been placed on high alert in response to the approaching cyclone. Nathan Nkomo, the CPU's director, assured the public that the department is fully prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise.
Cyclone Chido has already caused significant damage in Mozambique, where it made landfall early yesterday near the northern city of Pemba. With winds exceeding 200 km/h and rainfall rates of up to 30mm per hour, the cyclone triggered flash flooding in coastal areas. Many homes, schools, and health facilities were partially or completely destroyed, according to UNICEF Mozambique, which has deployed teams to assist affected families.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately 2.7 million people across six Southern African countries will be impacted by the cyclone.
Weather experts have compared Cyclone Chido to Cyclones Gombe and Freddy, which caused widespread destruction in the region in 2022 and 2023. Although Zimbabwe is expected to face less severe effects than Mozambique, the cyclone's gusts could still damage infrastructure and uproot trees in affected areas.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety precautions as Zimbabwe braces for the week of storms and heavy rainfall.
Source - the herald
