Wenslus Murape
Emmanuel Kafe and Nokuthula Dube
TROPICAL CYCLONE CHIDO is expected to reach Zimbabwe tomorrow afternoon, bringing strong winds averaging 50 kilometres per hour and heavy rainfall, with the nation on high alert and finalising preparations to minimise damage and potential loss of life.
The cyclone is forecast to deliver torrential rains to Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Harare provinces.
Meteorological experts have cautioned that the cyclone’s gusts could uproot trees and damage infrastructure, although the overall impact on Zimbabwe is expected to be less severe compared to neighbouring countries.
In preparation for Cyclone Chido, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has since activated emergency response measures.
CPU director Mr Nathan Nkomo told journalists on Friday that the authorities had made adequate preparations.
“Cyclone Chido will bring much-needed rain, but it is unfortunate that cyclones cause disasters,” he said.
“Cabinet has already approved our budget for disaster response. We need to be prepared for this cyclone. Evacuation points in areas that are vulnerable to this cyclone are being set up.
“We are activating all systems and are on high alert in all areas where the cyclone is likely to hit.”
Cyclone Chido, currently intensifying over Madagascar with wind speeds of 210km/h to 220km/h, is projected to weaken significantly as it approaches Zimbabwe.
It is expected to make a landfall on the Mozambican coast this morning at around 155km/h, before weakening as it travels over the southern parts of Malawi.
By the time Cyclone Chido arrives in Zimbabwe tomorrow, wind speeds are expected to have dropped to around 45km/h to 50km/h, before the storm moves westwards into Botswana, affecting parts of Zambia in the process.
Weather experts say Cyclone Chido shares characteristics with Cyclones Gombe and Freddy, which struck Southern Africa in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Briefing the media on the anticipated impact of the current cyclone on Friday, Meteorological Services Department head of forecasting Mr James Ngoma said: “We are approximating that it will reach and start affecting Zimbabwe from December 16, around noon going into December 17.
“The effects will be felt, though it is still in Mozambique and parts of Malawi. Currently, it is spinning at wind speeds of 210km/h-220km/h near Madagascar.
“And with these wind speeds, the destruction is unimaginable. You get trees being uprooted, roofs being blown off and flooding.
“However, by the time it reaches Zimbabwe, these winds are expected to reduce to around 45km/h-50km/h, but this might change.”
Mr Ngoma said the cyclone will impact parts of Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
An update from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) yesterday said about 2,7 million people in six Southern African countries will be affected by the cyclone.
“Close to 2,7 million people are estimated to be affected by the passage of the Tropical Cyclone Chido in six countries in the region, including the Comoros, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Seychelles and Mozambique.
“Other countries in the region expected to receive heavy rainfall associated with this system include Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eswatini, southern parts of Tanzania and north-western parts of South Africa are also expected to receive heavy rainfall due to other weather systems within the period.”
In Mozambique, Chido will make landfall in Pemba (Cabo Delgado) today as an intense tropical cyclone.
“With heavy rains of up to 200mm in 24 hours and winds of up 120km/h, Cyclone Chido has a similar intensity to Cyclones Gombe (2022) and Freddy (2023),” added the UN agency.
“Some 1,7 million people are exposed, including one million people in Cabo Delgado at risk of winds exceeding 120km/h.
“Moreover, there is over 60 percent likelihood that the remnants of the cyclone could reach Malawi, bringing significant rainfall to the country through December 16, potentially leading to flash flooding.
“Other parts of the Southern Africa region are also expected to receive heavy rainfall associated with this system, including Zimbabwe and Zambia.”
Meanwhile, thunderstorms originating from Botswana are expected to bring continuous rainfall across Zimbabwe today, ahead of the cyclone.
“So, we are expecting violent storms from Botswana, giving us a bit of continuous rainfall over the interior of the country,” said Mr Ngoma.
“We expect these storms to be violent across much of the country, as we’ve been experiencing a lot of hot weather.
“This heat that we are currently experiencing in the atmosphere should turn into thunderstorms that we are projecting into the weekend and into Monday and Tuesday before even tropical Cyclone Chido affects Zimbabwe.
“If at all it affects Zimbabwe, as we get into Christmas, we’re also expecting the rainfall to increase, as the inter-tropical convergence zone will be over the country, as well as these cloud bands that are passing in from Botswana into the interior of the country.”
Zimbabwe has endured several tropical storms in recent years.
In 2019, Cyclone Idai devastated Chimanimani and surrounding areas, claiming hundreds of lives and displacing thousands.
More recently, Cyclone Filip in March this year impacted the Chipinge area in Manicaland province, though its effects were relatively minor compared to Idai.
Safety precautions to take during a tropical cyclone
Before the storm
· Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on the storm’s track, intensity and expected landfall time
· Stock up on non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies and a battery-powered radio
· Charge your phone, laptop and any other essential devices in case power goes out
· If ordered to evacuate, do so promptly and follow the recommended evacuation route
During the storm
· Avoid travelling and stay indoors, especially during the storm’s peak hours
· Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls to minimise the risk of injury from flying debris
· Unplug sensitive electronic gadgets and appliances to protect them from power surges
· Avoid using electrical appliances, especially those that require water
· Keep phone lines open for emergency calls only
