Tropical Storm Chalane Hits Central Mozambique, Moves Toward Zimbabwe and Beyond

Key Developments

• Tropical Storm Chalane made landfall in Muanza District, central Mozambique, early on 30 December.

• The storm brought rain and strong winds to parts of Sofala Province, including regions devastated by Cyclone Idai in 2019.

• Chalane has since weakened into a tropical depression as it moved inland and is expected to bring rains and thunderstorms to Zimbabwe.

• The system may continue westward, affecting Botswana and Namibia as a low-pressure area.

Current Situation

Tropical Storm Chalane made landfall in Muanza District, north of Beira City, in Mozambique’s Sofala Province, during the early hours of 30 December, bringing moderate rainfall and gusty winds, according to the Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM). Areas such as Dondo, Beira City, and Buzi—already affected by Cyclone Idai in March 2019—reported some damage, particularly in resettlement sites where displaced families are still living in temporary shelters.

As Chalane moved inland, it weakened to a tropical depression and was expected to reach Zimbabwe by the afternoon or evening of 30 December. According to the Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department (MSD), the storm is likely to cause rains and thunderstorms across Masvingo and Manicaland provinces, with localized heavy downpours exceeding 50mm in 24 hours in some parts of the Eastern Highlands. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority also reported temporary water supply disruptions in affected regions.

Forecasts from Météo France and other weather agencies indicate that, after crossing Zimbabwe, the weakened system could continue westward toward Botswana and Namibia as a low-pressure zone.

Although far less intense than Cyclone Idai, Tropical Storm Chalane serves as another stark reminder of the growing threats linked to the global climate crisis. Once again, communities that have contributed the least to global warming find themselves directly in its path.