Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, with winds over 220 km/h causing extensive damage but no reported injuries. The storm has prompted emergency responses in the region, affecting neighboring Comoros and threatening Mozambique. The cyclone season continues to raise concerns over humanitarian crises in southern Africa, exacerbated by climate change.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused severe destruction in the French territory of Mayotte as it approaches the eastern coast of Africa. The cyclone, with wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, resulted in substantial damage to infrastructure, including the stripping of roofs from buildings. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties. Mayotte’s Prefect, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, described Chido as the most violent cyclone to impact the islands since 1934, warning many residents have lost virtually all of their possessions.
In response to the disaster, authorities have transitioned to emergency operations. Citizens have been advised to take refuge in secure shelters, while only emergency responders are permitted to operate outside. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau affirmed that extensive damage has been incurred and resources from France and nearby territories are being mobilized. Over 110 rescuers and firefighters are already deployed, with reinforcements of 140 additional personnel scheduled to arrive shortly.
The cyclone also affected the nearby Comoros Islands, raising concerns for a group of fishermen reported missing since Monday. Authorities in Comoros have enforced maritime restrictions and closed schools, airports, and government offices to prioritize safety. Cyclone Chido is predicted to travel eastward, heading towards Mozambique, where the disaster agency forecasts around 2.5 million individuals may face impacts.
Additionally, landlocked nations such as Malawi and Zimbabwe are preparing for potential flooding and have issued advisories for residents to seek higher ground. The cyclone season typically runs from December to March in the southeastern Indian Ocean, and recent years have seen a surge in destructive storms. Notably, Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy in 2022 resulted in extensive fatalities across the region.
Experts indicate that climate change is exacerbating the intensity of cyclones, forcing poorer nations in southern Africa, which contribute minimally to climate change, to endure significant humanitarian crises. The aftermath of such disasters not only poses immediate risks of flooding and landslides but also threats of waterborne diseases like cholera, as witnessed following previous cyclones.
The seasonal cyclone activity in the Indian Ocean, particularly from December to March, poses ongoing challenges for the southeastern African region. Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy in 2022 highlight the longstanding struggle against such natural disasters, which can devastate vulnerable communities. Increased cyclone frequency and intensity are attributed to climate change, prompting concerns for humanitarian impacts, especially in impoverished nations that contribute far less to global climate issues yet bear a disproportionate burden of their consequences. Tropical Cyclone Chido is the latest example of this phenomenon.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a catastrophic impact on Mayotte and is poised to affect Mozambique and surrounding areas further. The extent of the damage is significant, highlighting challenges posed by natural disasters in the region. Emergency services are actively responding to the crisis, and authorities are taking precautions to protect citizens amidst ongoing threats posed by climate change.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
