Tropical Cyclone Chido Prompts School Closures in Malawi

The Ministry of Education in Malawi has announced the suspension of primary and secondary school classes in districts expected to be affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido.

The decision, made in consultation with the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, prioritizes the safety of students and staff.

According to the Ministry’s statement, schools in the following districts will be closed: Mangochi, Machinga, Zomba, Mulanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Nsanje, Chikwawa, Neno, Mwanza, Dedza, Balaka, and Ntcheu.

The closures will take effect on December 16, with schools expected to reopen on December 18, contingent on improved weather conditions. Boarding school students in the affected areas have been instructed to remain on campus, while school management teams are urged to exercise caution and implement safety measures.

This directive was detailed in a statement signed by Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, PhD, Principal Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education.

This precautionary measure is part of broader efforts by the Malawian government to mitigate the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of the country.

Tropical Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, has already caused significant damage in Mauritius, Madagascar, and Mayotte. With sustained winds of up to 190 km/h and torrential rains, the storm has raised concerns of flooding and infrastructure damage across the region.

In response, Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has activated its emergency response plan, coordinating daily with government agencies and other stakeholders. The public has been urged to take necessary precautions, including moving to safer areas and avoiding non-essential travel.

Citizens are advised to remain alert and follow updates and instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety during the storm.