Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe is closely monitoring Severe Tropical Storm Chido, currently over 3 000 kilometers away in the Indian Ocean. Although the storm is not expected to directly impact the country, authorities are urging Zimbabweans to stay informed as the system strengthens.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD), in collaboration with the Department of Civil Protection, issued a statement on December 11, advising the public of the storm’s progress. According to the MSD, “The third tropical system of the 2024/2025 cyclone season, Severe Tropical Storm Chido, has developed in the Indian Ocean and is traveling westwards at a speed of 13 km per hour towards Madagascar, where it is expected to arrive on December 13.”
The department also confirmed that while Chido “has not yet reached the cyclone stage, it is strengthening.” The MSD expects the storm to continue intensifying as it moves toward Madagascar and, if it maintains its current trajectory, to reach Mozambique by December 17.
While Zimbabwe will not face the full impact of the storm, the MSD predicts rainfall over the weekend, likely linked to Chido’s influence. “We are expecting to receive rain over the weekend,” said the department.
In the meantime, Zimbabweans are experiencing hot and sunny conditions, and the public is urged to stay hydrated.
The MSD pledged to continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as Chido moves closer to the region. The department stressed the importance of staying informed as the storm progresses, urging citizens to follow the latest advisories.
