Cyclone Eloise projected to hit Vilanculos, a coastal town in Mozambique, and bring large amounts of rain onto the Beitbridge/Limpopo area.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said a new potential Tropical Cyclone Eloise is forming over the Indian Ocean and is anticipated to make landfalls in Madagascar, Mozambique and Zimbabwe as early as next week. IOM said:
<blockquote>According to online sources, yet to be verified, new potential Tropical Cyclone Eloise is forming over the Indian Ocean anticipating landfalls in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe as early as next week. The Meteorological Services Department in Zimbabwe has advised of continuous rains from 14 to 20 January throughout the nation, which may result in riverine flooding, flash flooding and subsequent damages to houses, roads, sewer lines and other public infrastructure in some areas.</blockquote>
This comes barely a month after another cyclone, Chalane had hit Mozambique and Zimbabwe although the effects were not grave compared to Cyclone Idai that swept the Southern parts of Africa in 2019.
In Manicaland, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/the-cyclone-damaged-electricity-poles-in-many-parts-of-manicaland-zesa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cyclone Chalane reportedly left a trail of destruction</a> after several electricity poles reportedly fell down because of the strong winds.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Service Department (MSD) <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/more-tropical-cyclones-storms-floods-predicted/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">has warned that tropical cyclones and serious floods remain a real danger</a> in the second half of the 2020/21 rainy season.
More: <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/zimbabwe/preparedness-and-response-flash-update-14-january-2021" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IOM ReliefWeb </a>

Pindula News

Cyclone Eloise To Hit Mozambique, Beitbridge, Limpopo

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said villagers who had been evacuated to higher ground as the region anticipated Cyclone Chalane are now returning home.
OCHA released a statement yesterday that stated that villagers have started to go back to their homes after the cyclone <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/12/31/tropical-depression-chalane-is-now-passed-weather-service/">dissipated and moved towards Botswana</a>. Said OCHA in a statement:
<blockquote>The Chalane weather system reached Zimbabwe in the evening of 30 December as a tropical depression, with heavy rains and bursts of strong winds in Chimanimani East in Manicaland Province, with some roofs of houses blown off, as well electricity and cellular network disruptions.
Initial reports indicate that the eye of the storm passed over Cashel Valley to the north of Chimanimani. Minor damage has been reported to a few institutions, including Chimanimani hospital, Ndima school and a local church.
More than 600 people arrived in evacuation centres in Chimanimani district, many of whom have reportedly already begun to return home, while more than 100 refugee families in the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge district temporarily moved to higher ground.
Some 153 people who were living in temporary shelters following their displacement by Cyclone Idai (in March 2019) were pre-emptively evacuated ahead of Chalane’s arrival: 97 are housed at Mutambara High School while 56 are housed at St. Patrick’s.
Seventeen people with disabilities were identified among the internally displaced in Mutambara and St. Patrick’s and measures are being taken to provide them appropriate safety and support.
Assessments are ongoing to assess the extent of the damages. Humanitarian partners are supporting through deployment of supplies that were pre-positioned and available in the affected districts.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/cyclone-chalane-causes-minor-damages-villagers-return-home-un/">New Zimbabwe </a>

Manicaland Villagers Go Back Home After Cyclone Chalane

While the cyclone did not cause any injuries or death, it reportedly left a trail of destruction after several electricity poles reportedly fell down because of the strong winds, Newsday reports.
This was revealed by the power utility company manager who addressed a stakeholder meeting in Mutare and said many evacuation centers had no electricity because of the damage caused by the cyclone:
<blockquote>There is widespread electricity outages in some evacuation centres, the strong winds have resulted in a number of electricity poles falling down, as l speak some evacuation centres in Chimanimani, Chipinge and Nyanga do not have electricity,” said the official, who refused to be named in the Press.
Restoration works might take longer than anticipated because of the bad weather conditions. In Chipinge we have five areas without power supply and Nyanga we have four areas among others in the Manicaland province</blockquote>
Apart from the darkness at some centers due to the damaged electricity poles, the evacuation centers have reportedly been <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/01/01/food-shortages-rock-cyclone-chalane-evacuation-centers/">hit by food shortages</a> as the government is delaying disbursing food to the centers for reasons unknown.
A weakened Cyclone Chalane made landfall in Zimbabwe this week after making landfall in Mozambique and Madagascar last Friday
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/01/food-shortages-hit-evacuation-centres/">Newsday</a>

The Cyclone Damaged Electricity Poles In Many Parts Of Manicaland - ZESA

Cyclone Chalane evacuation centers in Manicaland have reportedly been hit by food shortages as the government delays disbursing food to the shelters, Newsday reports.
This was revealed by Vincent Masukume from the department of Social Welfare who told a stakeholder meeting in Mutare that:
<blockquote>We are experiencing a shortfall of food stuffs, there have been delay in the disbursement of Civil Protection Unit funds and we are also working with the World Food Programme on the issue of food.
We have shortages of grain in areas such as Mutare, Nyanga and Mutasa, so those who are willing to assist us you can come on board.
Children are the most affected and they have been displaced more than adults we have been in communication with people at Simukai and they are willing to help some of the children.</blockquote>
While <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/01/01/cyclone-chalane-no-major-damage-has-been-recorded-so-far/">CPU has said there has been no significant damage</a> in the area caused by Cyclone Chalane, ZESA has said their infrastructure was damaged by the cyclone and most evacuation centers are in darkness.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/01/food-shortages-hit-evacuation-centres/">Newsday</a>

Food Shortages Rock Cyclone Chalane Evacuation Centers

ZINWA has given an update on the country’s water bodies and how they have been affected by Cyclone Chalane which made landfall in Zimbabwe this week. In the update, ZINWA said no river banks were breached by the cyclone.
An update issued by ZINWA stated that:
<blockquote>Hotspot rivers such as Save, Bubi, Runde, Gwayi, Musengezi and Odzi did not burst their banks as anticipated. However, some feeder streams were reported to be full.
ZINWA will continue to monitor hotspot areas such as Middle Sabi, Muzarabani, Thslotsho and others to assess the downstream effects, as significant rainfall occurred along the path of the system.
Assessments to further ascertain the damage caused by Tropical Depression Chalane are being conducted by sub-national structures and the report will be updated as necessary.</blockquote>
However, ZINWA said nothing about social media reports that a Dam Wall in Vumba has weakened. This was after social media was flooded with reports that a dam called Manyera in Vumba’s dam wall had weakened and urged people downstream to evacuate:
<blockquote>Manyera Dam Wall in Vumba has weakened and all those downstream are advised to evacuate and go to higher places. Please if you have relatives in this area pass on this message at once.</blockquote>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/01/01/cyclone-chalane-no-major-damage-has-been-recorded-so-far/">Cyclone Chalane which has already dissipated</a> has left no major damage in areas it made landfall.
More:<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/chalane-recedes-no-major-damage-recorded/"> The Herald </a>

No River Banks Were Breached By Cyclone Chalane - ZINWA

The Meteorological Service Department (MSD) has announced that Tropical Depression Chalane has greatly weakened and is now passed.
In a statement (MSD) said they will, however, continue to monitor specific areas to assess the rainfalls and downstream effects, as significant rainfalls occurred along the path of the system. The update further read:
<blockquote>Typical amounts were 87mm (Tsholotsho), 69mm (Chivhu), 63 mm Lupane, 58 mm (Chikomba), 54 mm (Kwekwe) and 42 mm (Mutare). Light rains and windy conditions are projected.
We (MSD, DCP and ZINWA) will continue to monitor and advise accordingly for the safety of the public.
… the highest stage it reached was a tropical storm – it was not a Tropical Cyclone.</blockquote>

'Tropical Depression Chalane Is Now Passed' - Weather Service

Cyclone Chalane has reportedly reached the Manica Province of Mozambique, a few miles from the Zimbabwean border.
The cyclone is expected to hit some parts of Zimbabwe including Manicaland Province, Masvingo and Bulawayo.
<img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqfFwJMXEAIxxGw?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqfFwJHXMAE3OYE?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
The Meteorological Services Department has warned members of the public against travelling and staying in houses with rocks on roofs.
Authorities also told the public to stay ready for evacuation in the event that the cyclone surpasses the projected impact. In messages sent to members of the public, the Civil Protection Unit said:
<blockquote>We are anticipating that a cyclone will hit the country soon. The public is advised to prepare to be moved to safer areas.
The public is advised to prepare for evacuation together with their valuables to safer areas before the cyclone hits. You shall be advised of the areas shortly.</blockquote>
This comes as the country has not yet recovered from the effects of tropical Cyclone Idai which wreaked havoc in Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands last year.
<blockquote> </blockquote>

Cyclone Chalane: Now Raining In Manica Mozambique

Cyclone Chalane which made landfall in Madagascar and is already on the Mozambican channel is expected to bring a heavy downpour of rainfall above 50 mm in 24 hours in some areas of Zimbabwe, The Herald reports.
The downpour is expected to hit Zimbabwe starting tomorrow till Friday and it is expected to cause flash flooding in areas with poor drainage.
A statement released by the department said:
<blockquote>
Flash flooding in areas of poor drainage as well as along river basins plus mudslides and landslides as well as collapse of walls, due to excessive moisture, remain probable.
Tropical Depression Chalane entered warmer water of the Mozambique Channel where it is expected to re-intensify into a tropical storm similar to Cyclone Dineo. The system should sweep across the country from Wednesday into the New Year.
This should give continuous rain over much of the country, with localised heavier downpours (in excess of 50 mm in 24 hours) probable especially over high ground, areas along the main watershed into the Eastern Highlands.These rains should ease off as we get into the weekend.
</blockquote>
The government has announced schools and centers that will be used as evacuation centers for people in lower areas in Chimanimani which might be hit by the cyclone this week.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/cyclone-chalane-to-bring-continuous-rains-met-dept/">The Herald </a>

Cylone Chalane Will Bring Continuous Rains - MSD

The Meteorological Services Department has projected that Depression/Cyclone/Storm Chalane will likely hit Zimbabwe on Wednesday. Below is MSD’s statement.
<blockquote>WHAT?: TROPICAL DEPRESSION CHALANE
WHERE?: IN THE MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL
WHEN?: MONDAY, 28 DECEMBER 2020
WATCH OUT FOR (in the next 24hours)!:
<ul>
<li>Move westward toward the Mozambique coast</li>
<li>Intensification into a Tropical Storm</li>
<li>Rain-bands (cloud bands) extending at least 500km from centre of the system.</li>
<li>WHAT TO DO:</li>
<li>Have a contingency plan in place in case of adverse weather •Know your escape route to the nearest emergency centre if need be</li>
<li>Have emergency numbers close</li>
<li>Have a few provisions, first aid kit, torch, essential documents and medication in a waterproof-easy to carry bag/satchel</li>
<li>Keep following the regular updates and monitor your environment or call MSD Provincial Officers:</li>
</ul>
Manicaland: +263 712 504 107
Mash East : +263 772 429 036
Masvingo : +263 738 387 218 
Stay Weather-Ready and Environment Smart
HOW?: Today, Monday 28 December 2020, Tropical Depression Chalane entered warmer water of the Mozambique Channel where it is expected to re-intensify into a Tropical Storm. Similar to Cyclone Dineo, the system should sweep across the country from Wednesday 30 December Into the New Year.
This should give continuous rain over much of the country, with localized heavier downpours (in excess of 50 mm In 24 hours) probable especially over high ground (areas along the main watershed into the Eastern Highlands). Such copious rain from Wednesday 30 December 2020 through to Friday 01 January 2021 may result in reduced visibility during some sharp downpours and flash flooding in areas of poor drainage as well as along river basins; mudslides and landslides as well as collapse of walls, due to excessive moisture, remain probable. These rains should ease off as we get into the weekend.
A detailed Alert should follow soon</blockquote>
<img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqV_WCoXcAEiNnN?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>

Cyclone Chalane Expected In Zimbabwe On Wednesday

The Government has identified a number of evacuation centres or assembly points for Chimanimani District in Manicaland province in anticipation of Depression or Cyclone Chalane. The Cyclone/depression/storm is expected to affect some parts of Zimbabwe including Manicaland, Masvingo and Bulawayo. 
<img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqVLmGLXUAYqfuo?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqVLmZpXYAYPYr2?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqVLmzjXUAQq7D9?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>

Depression Chalane: Chimanimani Evacuation Centres

Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has urged the citizenry to be alert as Cyclone Chalane has made landfall in Madagascar and is expected to reach the Eastern parts of Zimbabwe in 24 hours. Below is the MSD update on cyclone Chalane.
<blockquote>WHAT?: OVERLAND DEPRESSION CHALANE
WHERE?: OVER MADAGASCAR
WHEN?: SUNDAY, 27 DECEMBER 2020 WATCH OUT FOR (in the next 24hours)!:
<ul>
<li>Moving into the Mozambique Channel</li>
<li>Rejuvenates and strengthens once more</li>
<li>Rain-bands (cloud bands) extending at least 500km from centre of the system.</li>
</ul>
WHAT TO DO: Follow updates from the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) on the following platforms:
Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe
@MSDZIM
+263 778 125 911 ZBC News Updates on Weather
HOW?: Tropical Depression Chalane (previously a tropical storm) made landfall over Madagascar today, Sunday 27 December; but the effects of this systems were felt as early as Friday 25 December 2020 over the island, with massive flooding and reports of at least 26 people feared dead as 18 were swept away trying to cross a flooded river.
While interactions with land will depreciate the effects of this system, it is set to emerge over water in the Mozambique Channel where a generally westward direction, towards the coast of Mozambique, is highly probable due to the steering winds. Within the channel, it should re-intensify to peak spinning winds of 75km/hour (which is less than half the wind spin-speed of TC Idai @ 175km/hr) before it makes final landfall near Beira, Mozambique on Wednesday 30 December at 2200hr, where interaction with the rugged terrain will steadily weaken the system and lead to dissipation. Due to the nature of cloud bands, the effects may be felt as early as late Tuesday night, 29 December, with rainfall amounts of +100 mm/24hr (less than half of Tropical Cyclone Idai which ranged above 200 mm/24hr over Chimanimani and surrounding areas). The next update will be on Monday 28 December by 1200hrs.</blockquote>

MSD: Watch Out For Cyclone Chalane In 24 Hours

Civil Protection Unit has issued the following warning to people in areas that might be affected by Cyclone Chalane. In the warning the CPU urged people to stay prepared for anything and said:
<ol>
<li>Let us stay ready to be temporarily relocated to areas with higher terrain in case we are hit by Cyclone Chalane</li>
<li>Let us  be ready to be ferried to safety</li>
<li>Let us  be prepared to be carried together with our valuables to safety</li>
<li>Chiefs must spread the news of the Cyclone to the public.</li>
<li>Listen to updates from the Weather Departments at all times.</li>
</ol>
Cyclone Chalane is expected to hit parts of Mozambique and Madagascar and the Met Department said it will update the nation as it is monitoring the cyclone for now.

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