The islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are preparing for Cyclone Chido, expected to impact these regions imminently. Authorities in Comoros have closed schools as the cyclone approaches. Mozambique has issued a red alert for potential impacts on millions, while Madagascar is warning residents and facilitating evacuations. The French government is deploying aid to Mayotte, amid concerns about severe flooding and health risks due to climate change.
The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are currently preparing for Cyclone Chido, forecasted to impact the region significantly. Authorities in Comoros have suspended school activities as the cyclone is expected to reach the islands by the early hours of Saturday, following its trajectory past Madagascar’s northern coast. Mayotte, the French overseas territory south of Comoros, is under a red alert issued by the national weather service, denoting the highest level of warning.
In tandem, Mozambique’s northern provinces are also on high alert, anticipating that Cyclone Chido may affect upwards of 2.5 million individuals by the time it reaches the mainland on Sunday. The Mozambique National Meteorological Institute has reported that wind speeds could reach 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour). In an official statement, Ana Cristina, the head of the National Emergency Operations Center, indicated, “We believe that we can initially start working with an estimate of around 2.5 million people in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula who may be affected and will need to be rescued.”
Further east, Madagascar’s weather warnings have been disseminated via cell phone alerts and radio broadcasts since Thursday, urging local populations to take necessary precautions. Evacuations are underway in the Diana region, predicted to bear the brunt of Chido’s impact, with an estimated 20,000 individuals facing potential peril. Authorities have proactively provided emergency supplies, including food and water pumps, in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
The French government has mobilized a contingent of about 110 personnel and essential resources to Mayotte to mitigate potential damages. This team comprises emergency workers from France as well as firefighters from Réunion, equipped with necessary equipment and specialized search teams.
The cyclone season in the Indian Ocean, spanning from December to March, has historically seen intense storms, with recent years witnessing devastating events such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, which claimed over 1,300 lives across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Experts contend that the frequency and severity of cyclones are exacerbated by climate change, raising concerns regarding future storms and their potential impact. Crisis24, a risk management organization, has warned that Cyclone Chido may lead to dangerous flooding and subsequent health risks, including outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, and malaria, reminiscent of the negative aftermath associated with Cyclone Idai.
The Indian Ocean region experiences a cyclical cyclone season, predominantly from December through March. This period has historically produced destructive storms that pose significant threats to life and infrastructure in surrounding areas. Recent cyclones, notably Idai and Freddy, demonstrated the devastating potential of such weather phenomena. Current scientific research correlates the increasing severity of cyclones with climate change, heightening concerns over public safety and environmental stability in vulnerable regions like East Africa.
Cyclone Chido presents a formidable threat to the Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte, with the potential for severe impacts including extensive flooding and health crises. In light of previous cyclones, local authorities are taking proactive measures to mitigate risks and protect their citizens. The situation remains critical as communities brace for the impending storm, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and support for disaster preparedness in the face of climate-related challenges.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
