The National Meteorological Institute (INAM) is forecasting strong winds, thunderstorms and very heavy rain in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula as a result of tropical cyclone Chido.

INAM warns that in the last few hours the phenomenon could evolve into an intense tropical cyclone, with the north of the country being the worst affected in the next 72 hours.

The category 3 cyclone, the third highest on a scale of 1 to 5, is expected to make landfall in the districts of Memba, in Nampula province, and Chiúre or Mecúfi, in Cabo Delgado province, "with winds of 200 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 220 kilometers per hour, according to current projections," says the INAM warning.

The warning is valid until 24:00 on December 15, with several districts in Cabo Delgado and the provincial capital, Pemba, as well as Nampula and its provincial capital being at risk.