News / National
Chido brings varied rains to Zimbabwe
19 Dec 2024 at 16:40hrs | Views
Tropical Depression Chido brought widespread rainfall to Zimbabwe yesterday, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours exceeding 60mm. The system, which originated as a tropical cyclone, had already caused significant destruction in Mozambique before weakening overland.
The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe reported notable rainfall across the country, including 64mm in Ruwa, 49mm in Marondera, 38mm in Shamva, 34mm in Lupane, 26mm in Zvishavane, and 15mm at Bulawayo Airport. Other regions received less than 15mm of rain.
The department explained that the rainfall resulted from moisture carried by Chido, now downgraded to a tropical depression, combined with a mid-level cloud band extending from Botswana.
Yesterday morning, Zimbabwe experienced cloudy and mild conditions nationwide, followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Today's forecast anticipates morning rain across Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, and the Midlands. By afternoon, Matabeleland provinces and Bulawayo are expected to see cloudy and warm conditions with scattered thunderstorms, while the rest of the country remains partly cloudy and hot, with isolated thunderstorms.
Nighttime forecasts predict cloudy conditions with rain showers over Matabeleland and Bulawayo Metropolitan.
Before weakening, Cyclone Chido devastated Mozambique, leaving at least 34 dead and more than 175,000 people affected. The National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management in Mozambique reported that the storm destroyed or damaged nearly 23,600 homes, 170 fishing boats, and critical infrastructure.
The storm first made landfall on Sunday in Cabo Delgado province, killing 28 people. Six additional deaths were reported inland in Nampula and Niassa provinces.
Rescue crews are still working through heavily damaged areas, providing aid to affected communities.
While Zimbabwe experienced minimal disruption, the aftermath in Mozambique highlights the storm's destructive power, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Authorities in Zimbabwe continue to monitor the weather as Chido's remnants move westward, ensuring readiness for any further developments.
The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe reported notable rainfall across the country, including 64mm in Ruwa, 49mm in Marondera, 38mm in Shamva, 34mm in Lupane, 26mm in Zvishavane, and 15mm at Bulawayo Airport. Other regions received less than 15mm of rain.
The department explained that the rainfall resulted from moisture carried by Chido, now downgraded to a tropical depression, combined with a mid-level cloud band extending from Botswana.
Yesterday morning, Zimbabwe experienced cloudy and mild conditions nationwide, followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Today's forecast anticipates morning rain across Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, and the Midlands. By afternoon, Matabeleland provinces and Bulawayo are expected to see cloudy and warm conditions with scattered thunderstorms, while the rest of the country remains partly cloudy and hot, with isolated thunderstorms.
Nighttime forecasts predict cloudy conditions with rain showers over Matabeleland and Bulawayo Metropolitan.
The storm first made landfall on Sunday in Cabo Delgado province, killing 28 people. Six additional deaths were reported inland in Nampula and Niassa provinces.
Rescue crews are still working through heavily damaged areas, providing aid to affected communities.
While Zimbabwe experienced minimal disruption, the aftermath in Mozambique highlights the storm's destructive power, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Authorities in Zimbabwe continue to monitor the weather as Chido's remnants move westward, ensuring readiness for any further developments.
Source - The Herald
