Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Mozambique after devastating Mayotte, leading to potential casualties in the thousands and significant destruction. Aid organizations are mobilizing to assess and respond to the impact on approximately 1.7 million people in Mozambique. The cyclone’s intensity reflects a growing concern regarding the increasing severity of tropical storms in the region.
Cyclone Chido, a powerful Category 4 storm, struck Pemba, the capital of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province on December 15, 2023, following severe damage inflicted on Mayotte, a French overseas territory. The Malawi Red Cross indicated that the cyclone’s core was observed at 14:05, affecting southern Malawi and leading to concerns about heavy rain, destructive winds, and flash floods. In a broader context, the International Organization for Migration reported the cyclone’s maximum winds exceeding 200 km/h, impacting approximately 1.7 million people in Mozambique, while UNICEF expressed alarm over the potential long-term repercussions for vulnerable populations in the region.
Previously, Mayotte experienced devastating conditions caused by Cyclone Chido, with extensive destruction reported across neighborhoods and human loss potentially reaching into the thousands. The extreme winds recorded exceeded 220 km/h according to weather expert Colin McCarthy, confirming that the cyclone is among the most intense to hit the island in nearly a century. The French interior ministry has noted the difficulty in accurately assessing the death toll due to the cultural practices of the predominantly Muslim population, who bury their dead within 24 hours. Reports from Meteo France corroborated the cyclone’s intense impact, emphasizing its historical significance in the region.
Cyclone Chido’s emergence as a meteorological event began in the Indian Ocean, where it intensified before making landfall in Mayotte. The cyclone’s path indicates a significant threat to coastal regions, particularly in Mozambique where many communities are already susceptible to environmental disasters. The aftermath of Cyclone Chido is not just a local concern but has implications for neighboring regions due to interconnected ecosystems and socio-economic conditions that require coordinated emergency responses. Understanding historic cyclone data highlights the increasing severity and frequency of such weather phenomena due to climate change.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has inflicted substantial damage on Mayotte and Mozambique, revealing the vulnerabilities of these regions to extreme weather events. With casualties potentially in the thousands and extensive infrastructural damage, agencies such as UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration are actively involved in assessing needs and providing support. As these communities begin the recovery process, the challenges brought forth by such disasters underscore the need for robust disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
