Tropical Cyclone Chido Threatens SADC Region

CATHERINE MUROMBEDZI
HEALTH CORRESPONDENT

A powerful tropical cyclone named Chido has developed over the Southwestern Indian Ocean basin, approximately 1,332 kilometers off the coastline of Madagascar.

Madagascar, Comoros, and Mozambique on high alert.

According to the SADC Climate Services Centre, the cyclone has recorded maximum sustained surface winds of 110 km/h (55 knots) with gusts of up to 130 km/h.

POTENTIAL RISKS
The potential for further development into a Category 3 Cyclone within the next 24 hours is high.
The tropical system is currently expected to directly affect Madagascar and later Comoros and Mozambique.
The forecasts indicate that Tropical Cyclone Chido will make a direct impact initially over northern parts of Madagascar, resulting in extreme rainfall, strong winds, and rough to very rough sea conditions.

MITIGATION MEASURES
In light of this threat, SADC Member States are urged to take immediate precautions and implement preparedness and mitigation measures. These measures include:

*Risk Monitoring*: Closely monitor official weather updates and bulletins from National Meteorological and Hydrological Centers and relevant authorities.

*Public Awareness Campaigns*: Disseminate timely and accurate information to different stakeholders and the public through official channels. *Infrastructure Resilience*: Strengthen infrastructure resilience in vulnerable areas, including reinforcing shelters and critical facilities.
*Emergency Communication Protocols*: Review and reinforce emergency communication protocols to ensure efficient information flow during critical times.

ANTICIPATORY MEASURES
To minimise the impact of the cyclone, SADC Member States are encouraged to take anticipatory measures, including:
*Early Evacuation Planning*: Activate evacuation plans, ensuring efficient and safe evacuation procedures are in place.
*Preposition Emergency Supplies*: Stock essential emergency supplies and ensure readiness to provide timely assistance to populations likely to be affected.
*Emergency Communication*: Ensure communities at risk are well informed of the immediate danger due to the forecasted event(s).
*Community Training and Drills*: Conduct community training and drills to enhance public readiness and response capabilities.

Other parts of the SADC region expected to receive heavy rainfall due to other weather systems are; most of western Angola, eastern DRC, and parts of northern Tanzania.

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