Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, hit Mozambique’s Pemba following destruction in Mayotte, causing severe damage and a possible death toll in the hundreds. Over 1.7 million people are estimated to be affected, with urgent humanitarian responses being mobilized in both regions.
Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, on December 15. Prior to striking Mozambique, Cyclone Chido inflicted significant damage on the French overseas department of Mayotte. Reports indicate that the cyclone’s winds reached over 200 km/h, leading to severe destruction and a tragic loss of life.
The Malawi Red Cross reported that as of December 15, Tropical Cyclone Chido was already affecting parts of southern Malawi, bringing along threats of heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and potential flash flooding. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted that the cyclone impacted approximately 1.7 million people across Mozambique, coordinating immediate responses along with government and partner organizations.
In Mayotte, the storm has reportedly devastated entire neighborhoods, with fatalities possibly extending into the hundreds or even thousands. Local authorities are grappling with the aftermath as healthcare and support systems have been heavily strained. With the area predominantly Muslim, the swift burial practices complicate accurate assessments of the death toll.
The Prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, stated that the destruction witnessed by the island is unprecedented, while Meteo France highlighted that the cyclone’s magnitude is unmatched in over nine decades. Customers and residents are left facing the grim aftermath of Cyclone Chido, as recovery efforts are being mobilized.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido’s impact has been profoundly felt across Mayotte and Mozambique, leaving destruction in its wake. Emergency responses are critical in the immediate aftermath, as communities begin to assess the extent of the damage and the necessary steps towards recovery.
Cyclones are intense circular storms that originate over warm tropical oceans and are characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rains. They are particularly destructive and can lead to significant human and economic losses. Cyclone Chido is particularly noteworthy as it has reached a Category 4 classification, indicating extraordinarily high wind speeds and the potential for catastrophic damages. The cyclone significantly impacted Mayotte before making landfall in Mozambique, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of such natural disasters.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by powerful storms in vulnerable regions and emphasizes the importance of preparedness and rapid response by humanitarian agencies and governments alike. As recovery efforts commence, the affected populations will require substantial support to rebuild their lives in the wake of such devastating events.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
