Tropical Cyclone Chido, which caused significant damage in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, on Saturday, made landfall in Mozambique on Sunday, bringing destructive winds exceeding 200 km/h. The cyclone has since weakened into an overland depression.
According to the Meteorological Service Department (MSD) of Zimbabwe, the cyclone’s movement over land has resulted in reduced wind speeds and rainfall intensity due to increased frictional forces. Said the MSD:
<blockquote>
On Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 0615hrs, Tropical Cyclone Chido (named by Zimbabwe) made landfall over northern Mozambique near Pemba in the Cabo Delgado Province.
The cyclone brought destructive winds exceeding 200km/hr and heavy rains with rainfall rates reaching 30mm per hour.
This resulted in flash flooding in the coastal area. Fortunately, Chido (no longer a cyclone but an overland depression) continued its west-south-westward movement into Tete Province still in northern Mozambique.
</blockquote>
As of Monday, the residual moisture from the overland depression led to cloudy conditions in the northeastern parts of Zimbabwe, bringing light to moderate rainfall to Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces as early as 9 AM.
These remnants of moisture are expected to combine with the usual influx from the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, which typically brings rainfall to Zimbabwe starting in mid-December, along with a cloud band moving in from Botswana.
This combination is projected to result in moderate rainfall, ranging from 30 to 80 mm, across much of the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Tropical Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique with strong winds and heavy rain, causing flash floods. It has now weakened to an overland depression. The leftover moisture is bringing rain to Zimbabwe. The Meteorological Service Department predicts moderate rainfall of 30 to 80 mm across the country due to a combination of different weather systems.

Weakened Tropical Cyclone Chido Brings Rainfall To Zimbabwe

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has said Tropical Cyclone Chido is now expected to reach the country on Tuesday, following its weakening after making landfall in Mozambique on Sunday.
Tapiwa Masawi from the MSD told <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/cyclone-chido-weakens-to-reach-zimbabwe-tuesday/">ZBC News</a> on Monday that the cyclone was more powerful while it was over the ocean but lost strength upon making landfall in Mozambique early Sunday morning. Said Masawi:
<blockquote>
Due to its interaction with the land and the terrain… by this morning it had further weakened. It was over the southern parts of Malawi and we are expecting it to reach Zimbabwe from Nyamapanda border post tomorrow, Tuesday 17 December 2024, where it will move from Nyamapanda Border Post to Murehwa and also some parts of Mashonaland Central that is Bindura, Shamva, Mazowe and also Harare Metropolitan Provinces that are expected to be affected by this system. We are expecting less destruction since the system has weakened.
</blockquote>
In Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, Cyclone Chido has been labelled the worst cyclone in nearly a century.
The storm swept through the archipelago on Saturday, uprooting trees and demolishing homes.
Reports indicate that several hundred people are feared to have lost their lives as a result of the devastating impact of the cyclone.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tropical Cyclone Chido is now heading towards Zimbabwe after weakening when it hit Mozambique. It is expected to reach Zimbabwe on Tuesday. The cyclone was stronger over the ocean but lost power when it hit land. It will affect regions near Nyamapanda border post, Murehwa, and parts of Mashonaland Central. In Mayotte, the cyclone caused a lot of damage, uprooting trees and destroying homes. Sadly, many people are feared to have lost their lives due to the cyclone's impact. The storm is said to be the worst in almost 100 years in Mayotte.

"Weak" Tropical Cyclone Chido Now Expected To Hit Zimbabwe On Tuesday

As of 11 AM CAT on Monday, December 16, Tropical Cyclone Chido was located 154 km north-northwest of Nacala, Mozambique.
According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), the cyclone had been moving westward at a speed of 22 km/h (12 knots) over the past six hours.
Satellite imagery indicated that Chido made landfall approximately 28 km south of Pemba, Mozambique at 6 AM on Sunday. Said the JTWC:
<blockquote>
The system, at the time of landfall, had a pinhole eye and a 15/02:53 UTC RCM-1 SAR image showed a vmax of around 220 km/h (120 knots) in a concentric ring 19 km out from the centre.
The system has very rapidly eroded as it moves inland due to terrain interaction and the compact size of the system.
Chido is forecast to track generally west-southwestward and continue rapidly weakening over the next 12 hours with more gradual weakening thereafter.
Dissipation is forecast to occur in 36 hours, and possibly sooner.
</blockquote>
According to ZOOM Earth, the eye of Cyclone Chido was positioned just north of Blantyre, Malawi, as of noon on Monday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tropical Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique and is moving westward. It had a strong eye when it made landfall but quickly weakened. It is expected to fade away in the next 36 hours. As of now, the eye of the cyclone is near Malawi. No more damage is expected.

Cyclone Chido Expected To Fade Away In 36 Hours

Several hundred people are feared dead after Tropical Cyclone Chido, the worst in almost a century, hit the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on Saturday.
According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/15/hundreds-feared-dead-as-cyclone-chido-devastates-french-island-of-mayotte">The Guardian</a>, the cyclone caused widespread destruction, uprooting trees, tearing houses apart, and damaging the already weak infrastructure.
Rescue efforts are underway, but they are hindered by damage to airports, electricity distribution, and chronic clean drinking water shortages.
Mayotte’s prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, stated that the confirmed death toll of 11 is likely to rise significantly, possibly reaching several hundred or even thousands.
Establishing an accurate death toll is challenging due to the tradition of burying the dead within 24 hours and the presence of about 100,000 clandestine residents.
The mayor of Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, reported nine critical injuries and 246 serious injuries.
Aid efforts are being coordinated, with France deploying additional soldiers, firefighters, and medical supplies.
The cyclone brought winds of at least 226 kilometres per hour and caused extensive damage to makeshift housing.
Chido also hit the nearby islands of Comoros and Madagascar, with authorities in Comoros reporting that 11 fishers who ventured out to sea earlier this week are missing.
The intense tropical cyclone made landfall in Mozambique on Sunday and could affect up to 2.5 million people in the northern part of the country, as aid agencies warn of potential loss of life and severe damage.
A UNICEF spokesperson confirmed that Cabo Delgado, Mozambique’s northernmost province, home to approximately 2 million residents, has been severely affected, with many homes, schools, and health facilities either partially or completely destroyed. As of now, the death toll stands at three, according to local officials.
Cyclone season in the region runs from December to March, and the southeastern Indian Ocean and southern Africa have experienced a series of strong cyclones in recent years.
Cyclone Idai claimed over 1,300 lives in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe in 2019, while Cyclone Freddy resulted in more than 1,000 deaths across several countries last year.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tropical Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte, causing death, destruction, and injuries. The confirmed death toll is 11, but many more are feared dead. Rescue efforts are hindered by damaged infrastructure. France is sending help. The cyclone also affected Comoros and Madagascar. It hit Mozambique, affecting millions of people. The region often faces strong cyclones during the cyclone season. In recent years, many lives have been lost due to cyclones. The impact of Cyclone Chido is severe, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.

Cyclone Chido Leaves "Apocalyptic Scenes" On French Island Of Mayotte

Tropical Cyclone Chido is expected to reach Zimbabwe on Monday, bringing torrential rains to Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands, and Harare provinces.
Strong winds averaging 50 kilometres per hour and heavy rainfall may cause destruction.
Civil Protection Unit (CPU) director Nathan Nkomo assured journalists on Friday that the authorities have made adequate preparations to address the anticipated impacts of the cyclone. Said Nkomo:
<blockquote>
Cyclone Chido will bring much-needed rain, but, unfortunately, cyclones cause disasters.
The cabinet has already approved our disaster response budget. We need to be prepared for this cyclone, so evacuation points in areas vulnerable to it are being set up.
We are activating all systems and are on high alert in all areas where the cyclone is likely to hit.
</blockquote>
Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique early Sunday, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain. The cyclone struck approximately 40 kilometres south of the northern city of Pemba, causing significant damage and disrupting communication.
Aderito Aramuge, director of Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology, reported that Pemba was already experiencing the cyclone’s strong intensity. He said:
The cyclone is already affecting Pemba with a very strong intensity. We were monitoring the situation but there is no communication with Pemba since 7 am (0500 GMT).
Cyclone Chido brought gusts reaching up to 260 kilometres per hour and up to 250 millimetres of rain within 24 hours, affecting the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Early footage from Pemba revealed heavy downpours, fallen trees, and damaged homes.
UNICEF teams are on the ground, working with local authorities to support the affected communities, according to a statement from the organisation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tropical Cyclone Chido is coming to Zimbabwe, bringing lots of rain to some provinces. There may also be strong winds and damage. The authorities are getting ready to help with any problems that may happen. The cyclone already hit Mozambique with powerful winds and rain, causing damage. People are working to help those affected by the cyclone. Everyone needs to be prepared for the storm and be safe.

"Tropical Cyclone Chido To Bring Much-needed Rainfall"

James Ngoma, head of forecasting at the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), said on Friday that Tropical Cyclone Chido is expected to make landfall in Mutoko, located in northeastern Zimbabwe, on Monday from midday, going into Tuesday.
During a press briefing at the Department of Civil Protection in Harare, Ngoma said that Chido is likely to be less destructive upon reaching Mutoko than it has been in the Indian Ocean, where it is currently causing a lot of destruction. He said:
<blockquote>
We are approximating that it will reach Zimbabwe from 16 December from around noon going into the 17th of December.
The cyclone was expected to make its first contact with land in Madagascar’s Antsiranana at 2 PM today before it starts making its way to Mozambique, then to Zimbabwe in three days.
Current position, it’s just to the northeast of Madagascar, and it’s going to touch a city called Antsiranana which is to the extreme north of Madagascar and what speed is it travelling at?
It’s moving at 20 kilometres per hour. That’s the speed at which it’s moving laterally, but it doesn’t involve the spin speed.
It’s 1,919 kilometres from Mutoko. The effects will be felt whilst it’s still in Mozambique and parts of Malawi.
</blockquote>
Ngoma said six provinces, that is, Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, as well as Harare Metropolitan, are currently on the watch list. He said:
<blockquote>
All of them are in the watch category. They are not yet in the alert category. Once we move into the alert, we will remove some of the provinces and we will specify maybe even the ones that will be affected most.
I think most of us remember the Tropical Cyclone Fred which did a dance around in Zimbabwe, went to Mozambique, then ended up in Malawi and caused devastation there. So these cyclones can move in a haphazard manner, especially when they touch land.
</blockquote>
The cyclone is likely to lose energy as it navigates through different countries and as a result it will reach Zimbabwe moving at 45 knots (83.3 kilometres per hour). Said Ngoma:
<blockquote>
So the current wind speeds that it’s spinning at is between 210 to 220 kilometres per hour. That is whilst it’s still close to Madagascar.
And with these wind speeds, the destruction is unimaginable. You get trees being pulled out, roofs being blown off, waters being carried from the ocean onto land, and disasters are unproportional.
But when it reaches Zimbabwe, it’s projected to be moving at about 45 kilometres to about 50 kilometres per hour.
But this might change. So we’ll continue to monitor this and advise you better as the weekend progresses.
And from there, we’ll know how it’s been deflected or what effects that landmass has had on the cyclone.
And then we can predict better in terms of rainfall, in terms of direction, in terms of whichever path it will take.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tropical Cyclone Chido is coming to Mutoko in Zimbabwe. It is moving at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. It will be less destructive in Zimbabwe compared to the Indian Ocean. The wind speed is 210 to 220 km/h near Madagascar. Six provinces in Zimbabwe are on the watch list for the cyclone. The cyclone may lose energy as it moves through different countries. It is expected to reach Zimbabwe with a speed of 45 to 50 km/h. The Meteorological Services Department is monitoring the cyclone and will give updates as needed.

Tropical Cyclone Chido Bears Down On Mutoko

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) announced on Thursday that Zimbabwe may be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which is currently affecting the northeastern region of Madagascar.
In an advisory, the MSD predicted that Tropical Cyclone Chido is expected to cross into Zimbabwe on December 17.
The cyclone is likely to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall exceeding 70 millimetres within 24 hours in certain areas. Said the MSD:
<blockquote>
The tropical system Chido, which is still to the North-East of Madagascar, has intensified into an INTENSE TROPICAL CYCLONE over the past twenty-four hours and its chances of affecting Zimbabwe have greatly increased.
It is likely to cross into Zimbabwe on the 17th of December 2024 bringing with it strong winds and heavy rainfalls of more than 70mm in 24 hours over some places in Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Harare metropolitan and some parts of Midlands and Mashonaland West.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Department of Civil Protection has urged citizens to be vigilant for heavy rains, thunderstorms, strong winds, potential flooding, rockfalls, and mudflows.
The public is advised to secure their homes against damaging winds and to establish evacuation plans in preparation for severe weather conditions.
Tropical Cyclone Chido is the third low-pressure system that has threatened Southern Africa this year.
The first storm of the 2024-2025 cyclone season in the southwest Indian Ocean, named Ancha, was designated by the Comoros.
Following this, Cyclone Bheki was named by Eswatini. The name Chido was provided by Zimbabwe.
If another storm forms before the season ends, it will be named Dikeledi, designated by South Africa.
Each year, tropical cyclones are named in alphabetical order, alternating between male and female names.
The list of names is proposed by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) members in a specific region and is approved by the corresponding tropical cyclone regional bodies during their annual or biannual sessions.
Zimbabwe has also provided the name Yemurai for the 25th storm of the season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The weather department says a big storm named Tropical Cyclone Chido is coming to Zimbabwe on December 17. This storm will bring very strong winds and lots of rain, especially in certain areas. People should be careful and ready for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. They need to make sure their homes are safe and have a plan in case they need to leave because of the bad weather. The storm is still far away, but everyone needs to be prepared for it.

Tropical Cyclone Chido Forecast To Hit Zimbabwe On December 17

The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe has assured citizens that they are safe for the entire week (11 to 17 December 2024) from a low-pressure system that has developed in the Indian Ocean.
In an advisory, the MSD said that Severe Tropical Storm Chido, which hasn’t gained enough strength to be classified as a Tropical Cyclone, is currently more than 3,000 kilometres away from Zimbabwe. The MSD said:
<blockquote>
The third tropical system of the 2024/2025 cyclone season (Severe Tropical Storm Chido) has developed in the Indian Ocean and is travelling Westwards at a speed of 13km/h towards Madagascar where it is expected to arrive on the 13th of December 2024.
The system has not yet reached the cyclone stage but it is strengthening. It is expected to reach Mozambique on the 17th of December if it maintains its trajectory. The MSD will continue to monitor its progress and update the nation accordingly.
</blockquote>
According to a report by <a href="https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2024/12/indian-ocean-tropical-cyclone-chido-tracking-westward-toward-agalega-mauritius-dec-11-update-2">Crisis24</a>, Chido is tracking westward across the Indian Ocean toward Agalega, Mauritius, on December 11. As of 11 AM CAT, the system was around 1,072 km north of Port Louis, Mauritius. The report reads in part:
<blockquote>
Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen as it continues westward and passes just south of Agalega, Mauritius, late Dec. 11.
Chido is expected to briefly strengthen into an intense tropical cyclone as it tracks westward and then west-southwestward away from Agalega on Dec. 12, before weakening back into a tropical cyclone and making landfall over the northern Diana Region in Madagascar late Dec. 13-early Dec. 14.
The system is likely to weaken into a severe tropical storm as it tracks southwestward across the Mozambique Channel Dec. 14-15, passing south of Mayotte late Dec. 14 or early Dec. 15.
The storm will continue to weaken before making another landfall over Nampula Province in Mozambique late Dec. 15 or early Dec. 16.
After landfall, Chido is expected to weaken rapidly into a zone of disturbed weather and dissipate as it tracks southwestward inland over southern Nampula during the morning of Dec. 16.
Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; changes could occur in the coming hours and days.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The weather people in Zimbabwe say there's a big storm in the ocean, but it's far away and won't reach us this week. The storm is called Severe Tropical Storm Chido, and it's moving towards Madagascar and Mozambique. It might get stronger, but it's not a big cyclone yet. The weather experts will keep checking on the storm and tell us if anything changes. So, don't worry, Zimbabwe is safe from this storm for now.

"Zimbabwe Safe From Severe Tropical Storm Chido This Week"

A tropical cyclone has formed over the southwestern Indian Ocean, approximately 1,332 kilometres off the coast of Madagascar.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has recorded maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (55 knots) and gusts reaching up to 130 km/h.
According to the SADC Climate Services Centre, the potential for Chido to develop into a Category 3 cyclone within the next 24 hours is high.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall in northern Madagascar, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions.
Following its initial impact on Madagascar, Chido is predicted to re-intensify and affect the Comoros and Mozambique.  Said the SADC Climate Services Centre:
<blockquote>
Our forecasts indicate severe weather conditions in these areas, and we are urging residents to prepare accordingly.
</blockquote>
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/tropical-cyclone-chido-not-a-threat-to-zim/">The Herald</a>, Meteorological Services Department head of forecasting James Ngoma said in Zimbabwe, Tropical Storm Chido’s distance and trajectory (or current path) is too far and too distant to be of concern.
Ngoma said the country is expecting to get rains at the weekend. He said:
<blockquote>
Noting well that these systems tend to change, especially when they come across land, for instance when they reach Madagascar, for much of this week, it should be mostly sunny and hot.
The storms we are anticipating are the ones from the opposite side in Botswana, which should enter through Matabeleland provinces as we get into the weekend. So in essence, it’s a wet weekend but due to storms from Botswana, and not Chido.
</blockquote>
Tropical Cyclone Chido is the third low-pressure system that has threatened Southern Africa this year.
The first storm of the 2024-2025 cyclone season in the southwest Indian Ocean, named Ancha, was designated by the Comoros.
Following this, Cyclone Bheki was named by Eswatini. The name Chido was provided by Zimbabwe.
If another storm forms before the season ends, it will be named Dikeledi, designated by South Africa.
Each year, tropical cyclones are named in alphabetical order, alternating between male and female names.
The list of names is proposed by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) members in a specific region and is approved by the corresponding tropical cyclone regional bodies during their annual or biannual sessions.
Zimbabwe has also provided the name Yemurai for the 25th storm of the season.
<section class="mt-6 leading-9 text-[1.1rem] border-b-2 border-gray-400 pb-2" id="article">
<div class="in_article">
<div>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
</div>
</div>
</section>

Tropical Cyclone Chido has formed in the Indian Ocean, far from Zimbabwe. It may become a strong cyclone and hit Madagascar first, then Comoros and Mozambique. In Zimbabwe, the weather will be sunny and hot, with rain expected over the weekend, but not from Cyclone Chido. This is the third storm in Southern Africa this year. Storms are named in order, and Zimbabwe also named the storm Yemurai. Madagascar, Comoros, and Mozambique are advised to prepare for severe weather conditions.

Cyclone Chido Latest News

Latest Jobs