Tropical Cyclone Chido to bring short, heavy rains to Mtwara
What you need to know:
- The TMA’s latest analysis indicates that the cyclone is expected to move towards northern Mozambique between Friday, December 13, and Monday, December 16, 2024.
- The tropical cyclone had sustained wind speeds of 121 miles per hour, which would make it a Category 3 hurricane if it were in the Atlantic Ocean
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has issued a weather advisory regarding Tropical Cyclone Chido, which is currently located in the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar.
The TMA’s latest analysis indicates that the cyclone is expected to move towards northern Mozambique between Friday, December 13, and Monday, December 16, 2024.
While the cyclone is not forecast to make direct landfall in Tanzania, its proximity to the southern region, particularly Mtwara, could bring adverse weather conditions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 12, the TMA warned that Mtwara and surrounding areas may experience short bursts of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions from December 14 to 16, 2024. Although the impacts are expected to be brief, they could pose a risk to local communities and maritime activities.
The TMA has urged the public, especially those in affected areas, and maritime workers to stay informed by regularly checking weather updates and following guidance from relevant authorities.
The statement also assured that the TMA will continue to monitor the cyclone's development and issue further updates if necessary.
PHOTO | COURTESY
This advisory comes after Cyclone Hidaya, which struck the southeastern coast of the Indian Ocean in May 2024, caused significant damage to the Mtwara, Lindi, Coast, and Morogoro regions. Cyclone Hidaya resulted in the deaths of five people, injured seven others, and affected over 7,000 households, displacing nearly 19,000 people.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reported in Parliament on May 9, 2024, that Cyclone Hidaya caused severe damage, with 316 millimeters of rainfall recorded in Kilwa, Lindi, and 99 millimeters in Mtwara, marking a drastic increase compared to normal rainfall levels.
The extraordinary downpour led to the destruction of infrastructure, including residential buildings, schools, and health facilities.
Currently, the government is assessing the damage and has prioritized repairing electrical infrastructure, roads, and building temporary bridges.
Mr Majaliwa also issued directives to the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads), the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura), and the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) to expedite restoration efforts.
“We must focus on repairing infrastructure promptly to ensure the swift restoration of social services,” said the Prime Minister.
