Cyclone Chido threatens Indian Ocean islands Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte, prompting emergency measures. Schools in Comoros are closed, while Mayotte is on red alert. Mozambique warns over 2 million may be impacted when it hits land. Officials prepare for potential flooding and health crises following the cyclone’s passage.
The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are currently preparing for the imminent arrival of Cyclone Chido. As the cyclone approaches Africa’s eastern coastline, authorities have implemented emergency measures, including the closure of schools in Comoros, where Chido is expected to strike early Saturday. The storm’s path includes the northern tip of Madagascar and the French territory of Mayotte, which has been placed on red alert by the French national weather service, indicating a significant threat.
Mozambique has also declared a red alert for the northern regions of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, estimating that over 2 million residents could be affected when the cyclone makes landfall. The Mozambique National Meteorological Institute has warned that winds could reach up to 200 kph (124 mph). “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,” stated Ana Cristina, the director of the National Emergency Operations Center.
Madagascar has been proactive in communicating with its residents by sending alerts via cellphones and radio, with many evacuations taking place in the northern region of Diana. Authorities have expressed concern that approximately 20,000 individuals could be directly impacted by the cyclone’s destructive force. In the meantime, emergency supplies such as food, water pumps, and generators have been dispatched to the region since Tuesday.
In response to the looming disaster, the French government has mobilized approximately 110 personnel to assist in Mayotte, including emergency responders and firefighters, alongside three tons of emergency supplies. This team will bring specialized resources including search dogs to aid in potential rescue operations. The cyclone season spans from December to March in this region, which has been increasingly susceptible to powerful storms due to climate change. Past cyclones like Idai and Freddy resulted in substantial loss of life across multiple countries, highlighting the heightened risks that such natural disasters pose.
The preparation for Cyclone Chido illustrates the vulnerability of Indian Ocean islands to severe weather, particularly during the cyclone season from December to March. Recent years have witnessed a rise in the frequency and intensity of cyclones attributed to climate change. Prior hurricanes, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy, have caused catastrophic impacts leaving thousands dead and many more displaced. Authorities on these islands and the mainland are taking precautions to mitigate loss of life and infrastructure damage.
In summary, the impending Cyclone Chido is prompting significant emergency measures across the Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte, as well as northern Mozambique. With the potential for severe winds and flooding, authorities are taking proactive steps to safeguard the populations at risk. The alarming trend of increasingly powerful cyclones underscores the critical need for preparedness in affected regions, driven by the changes in climate patterns.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
