Tropical Cyclone Chido has formed over the southwestern Indian Ocean, approximately 1,332 kilometers off the coast of Madagascar, prompting a warning from the Southern African Development Community Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC).
The cyclone is currently exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (55 knots), with gusts up to 130 km/h, as reported by the SADC Climate Services Centre. The potential for Chido to escalate into a Category 3 cyclone within the next 24 hours is considered high.
Forecasters anticipate that Chido will make landfall in northern Madagascar, leading to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions. Following its initial strike on Madagascar, Chido is expected to re-intensify and subsequently impact the Comoros and Mozambique.
“Our forecasts indicate severe weather conditions in these areas, and we are urging residents to prepare accordingly,” stated the SADC Climate Services Centre.
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In Zimbabwe, Mr. James Ngoma, head of forecasting at the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), mentioned the cyclone’s current trajectory is too distant to raise immediate alarms. However, the country is expecting moderate rainfall over the weekend due to separate weather systems.
“While Tropical Cyclone Chido is far from us, noting that weather systems often change when they interact with land, we should expect mostly sunny and hot weather throughout the week. The storms predicted this weekend will be coming from Botswana, not Chido,” added Mr. Ngoma.
Despite the current distance of Chido, the MSD has advised residents to remain vigilant as the cyclone’s path may alter. They encourage the public to stay informed through official Meteorological Services channels.
To reduce the potential effects of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Madagascar and adjacent islands, SHOC is emphasizing the importance of preparedness measures. They urge member states, particularly Madagascar and nearby island nations, to monitor updates from their National Meteorological and Hydrological Centres and ensure timely information distribution to the public.
Recommended precautionary actions include enhancing infrastructure resilience, activating evacuation plans, and ensuring that essential emergency supplies are adequately stocked.
