News / National
'Cyclone Chido not a threat to Zimbabwe'
4 hrs ago | Views
The Southern African Development Community Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) has issued an alert regarding Tropical Cyclone Chido, which has formed over the south-western Indian Ocean, approximately 1,332 kilometers off Madagascar's coast.
According to the SADC Climate Services Centre, Cyclone Chido currently features maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (55 knots), with gusts reaching 130 km/h.
"The potential for Chido to develop into a Category 3 cyclone within the next 24 hours is high," warned the SADC Climate Services Centre.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall in northern Madagascar, bringing torrential rain, strong winds, and rough sea conditions. It is forecasted to re-intensify after crossing Madagascar, potentially affecting the Comoros and Mozambique.
"Our forecasts indicate severe weather conditions in these areas, and we urge residents to prepare accordingly," added the Climate Services Centre.
In Zimbabwe, Meteorological Services Department (MSD) head of forecasting, Mr. James Ngoma, assured the public that Cyclone Chido poses no immediate threat to the country due to its current trajectory and distance.
"While the system may change, especially after crossing Madagascar, for much of this week, Zimbabwe will experience mostly sunny and hot conditions," said Mr. Ngoma.
He added that expected rainfall this weekend would result from storms entering through Matabeleland from Botswana, unrelated to Chido.
SHOC has called on Member States, particularly Madagascar and island nations, to remain vigilant and implement preparedness strategies. Recommendations include: Monitoring updates from National Meteorological and Hydrological Centres. Disseminating timely and accurate information to communities. Strengthening infrastructure resilience and activating evacuation plans. Ensuring emergency supplies are adequately stocked.
The MSD has advised Zimbabweans to stay informed through official channels, as Tropical Cyclone Chido's trajectory may change.
This advisory underscores the need for collective regional preparedness and swift response to mitigate the potential impact of severe weather events across Southern Africa.
According to the SADC Climate Services Centre, Cyclone Chido currently features maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (55 knots), with gusts reaching 130 km/h.
"The potential for Chido to develop into a Category 3 cyclone within the next 24 hours is high," warned the SADC Climate Services Centre.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall in northern Madagascar, bringing torrential rain, strong winds, and rough sea conditions. It is forecasted to re-intensify after crossing Madagascar, potentially affecting the Comoros and Mozambique.
"Our forecasts indicate severe weather conditions in these areas, and we urge residents to prepare accordingly," added the Climate Services Centre.
"While the system may change, especially after crossing Madagascar, for much of this week, Zimbabwe will experience mostly sunny and hot conditions," said Mr. Ngoma.
He added that expected rainfall this weekend would result from storms entering through Matabeleland from Botswana, unrelated to Chido.
SHOC has called on Member States, particularly Madagascar and island nations, to remain vigilant and implement preparedness strategies. Recommendations include: Monitoring updates from National Meteorological and Hydrological Centres. Disseminating timely and accurate information to communities. Strengthening infrastructure resilience and activating evacuation plans. Ensuring emergency supplies are adequately stocked.
The MSD has advised Zimbabweans to stay informed through official channels, as Tropical Cyclone Chido's trajectory may change.
This advisory underscores the need for collective regional preparedness and swift response to mitigate the potential impact of severe weather events across Southern Africa.
Source - The Herald
