Cyclone Chido likely to affect Zimbabwe: Met Dept
Harare – Zimbabweans have been warned to prepare for Cyclone Chido which is highly likely to affect the country next week on Tuesday, December 17, the Meteorologial Services Department (MSD) has said.
In a statement the MSD said Cyclone Chido which has already hit Madagascar will affect eastern parts of Zimbabwe, Harare, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and West provinces.
“The tropical cyclone Chido, which is still to the North-East of Madagascar, has intensified into an intense tropical cyclone over the past 24 hours and it’s chances of affecting Zimbabwe have greatly increased,” the Met Department said.
“It is likely to cross into Zimbabwe on the 17th of December, 2024 bringing with it strong winds and heavy rainfall of more than 70 mm in 24 hours over some places.”
The department has given the cyclone the “Red” category, meaning it can be destructive.
The MSD said people should continuously seek authentic updates from relevant authorities on the trajectory of Cyclone Chido and any other news.
The department said people should secure their homes, plan an evacuation mechanism and avoid open spaces when the cyclone approaches the country.
Heavy rains, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected during the cyclone.
Other dangers include floods, rock falls and mud flows.
In 2019, cyclone Idai killed at least 400 people in eastern Zimbabwe when floods destroyed houses and swept away people.
The Civil Protection Unit and other government departments are convening at the National Disaster Centre at Makombe building this Friday to
prepare the nation ahead of the cyclone.
