By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre has issued an urgent advisory regarding the newly formed Tropical Cyclone Chido, located approximately 1,332 kilometers off the Madagascar coastline.
The cyclone currently has maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (55 knots) and gusts reaching up to 130 km/h, with a significant likelihood of intensification to a Category 3 cyclone today.
Forecasts suggest that Chido will first impact northern Madagascar, expected to bring extreme rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions.
The cyclone is anticipated to later affect the Comoros and Mozambique, prompting the need for urgent preparedness measures across these nations.
Additional heavy rainfall is also projected for several regions, including western Angola, eastern DRC, and parts of northern Tanzania.
In light of the impending cyclone, SADC is urging member states to closely monitor updates from their National Meteorological and Hydrological Centers and to enhance public awareness by disseminating timely and accurate information.
Strengthening infrastructure resilience is crucial, particularly in vulnerable areas, while enhancing emergency communication protocols will facilitate efficient information flow during the crisis.
As part of further anticipatory measures, SADC emphasizes the need for early evacuation planning and the prepositioning of emergency supplies to ensure readiness for responding to affected populations.
Training and drills for communities are also encouraged to bolster public readiness and response capabilities.
“Member States are strongly encouraged to take these advisories seriously, and proactively engage in preparedness and anticipatory measures, and stay vigilant for further updates. Effective coordination and collective efforts are vital to minimizing the potential impact of the approaching weather system,” the advisory noted.