Mozambique: Damage, casualties, and power outages reported across northeastern regions as of Dec. 17 following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Chido /update 1

Further reports of damage, casualties, and disruptions have been confirmed in parts of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces in northeastern Mozambique as of Dec. 17 following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Chido. The storm system made landfall as an intense tropical cyclone over Mecufi District in southeastern Cabo Delgado during the morning of Dec. 15; coastal and adjacent inland areas of southeastern Cabo Delgado and northeastern Nampula near where the storm made landfall have been worst affected. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) has confirmed at least 34 fatalities and 319 others injured in affected areas as of Dec. 17. Nearly 175,000 people have been affected and more than 11,000 homes have been destroyed and around 23,50 partially damaged. Officials reported around 200,000 customers in Pemba and surrounding areas of southeastern Cabo Delgado were without power following the storm and at least two districts of Nampula Province are also experiencing blackouts. Severe storm damage has been reported in Pemba, Sunate, Chiure, and Mecufi in Cabo Delgado. Storm impacts have also been reported in Memba, Nacala, and Mossuril districts in Nampula Province, with the latter believed to have been the hardest hit. Chido has caused communication outages in affected areas and it may take some time before the full extent of the storm's impact is confirmed.

Chido weakened rapidly as it moved inland over the region Dec. 15 and before passing into southern Malawi early Dec. 16. However, further adverse weather is forecast in the region through at least Dec. 17 associated with the storm system and additional downpours and strong winds may hamper ongoing response efforts and delay damage assessments in the region.

Normal operations and services are likely to take several days to recover following the impact of the storm. Flight disruptions are likely at regional airports, especially if airport facilities are damaged. Overland travel disruptions are also likely due to flooding and debris on roads and railway networks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are probable in affected areas. Although a secondary concern, the threat of disease outbreaks cannot be discounted in the coming days and weeks. Backflow from drains that have mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.