By Brian Wasili

Mwanza, December 15, Mana: Mwanza District Council is raising awareness on impending Cyclone Chido, which is projected to make a landfall in neighbouring Mozambique.

Mwanza District Disaster and Risk Management Officer Ivy Cham'mudzi said on Sunday during a meeting that there is a need for joint efforts between the district and area-level disaster risk management structures.

She said joint cooperation by the District Disaster Risk Management Committee, and village-level committees with the support of traditional leaders, village volunteers and partners is crucial for successful disaster preparedness and response.

“The messages of precautionary measures have already been sent to churches. Jingles have been produced which are being played in strategic places such as bars and bottle stores including marketplaces to raise awareness,” added Cham'mudzi.

Mwanza is raising awareness after the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) issued a warning on impending Cyclone Chido, which was expected, to land in Mozambique on Sunday, December 15. 2024.

According to the DCCMS, the possibility is high that the effects of Cyclone Chido will affect Mwanza and other districts in the Southern Region of Malawi.

Given the DCCMS’s warning, the Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA) has advised the general public to take precautionary measures to avoid loss of life and property.

People in flood-prone areas are advised to relocate to safer areas and the general public is also advised to follow weather updates through various communication channels and platforms.

Communication from DoDMA further cautioned people to avoid crossing flooded rivers and running waters among others.

A member of Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) Mwanza Division, Blessings Mazonde said the organization will continue to complement Mwanza District Council’s efforts in providing necessary information about Cyclone Chido and safety tips to communities in the district through MRCS volunteers.

“With limited resources, we have deployed volunteers with megaphones to disseminate messages that have precautionary measures as provided by DoDMA,” said Mazonde.

Meanwhile, Cyclone Chido is yet to bring the long-awaited rains in Mwanza.