Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted the Southwest Indian Ocean, particularly affecting Madagascar, Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, resulting in over 142 deaths and extensive injuries. The cyclone reached category 4, causing widespread destruction and necessitating urgent humanitarian efforts to aid the affected populations. The Red Cross is actively involved in relief activities, highlighting the critical need for disaster preparedness.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significantly destructive force in the Southwest Indian Ocean, marking the commencement of an early cyclone season with an alarming impact on various regions. The cyclone reached category 4 status on December 11, unleashing sustained winds of 220 km/h and resulting in catastrophic consequences across affected countries. As of December 22, at least 142 fatalities have been recorded, alongside over 3,300 injuries, with Madagascar, Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi identified as the most affected areas.
Initially striking Madagascar, Chido’s severe winds impacted the Diana Region, where approximately 135,838 individuals faced damage to infrastructure and displacement. The Malagasy Red Cross took proactive measures, warning residents and facilitating evacuations. In another region, the Comoros government declared a week of mourning, recognizing the tragedy affecting 64,167 people in Anjouan and Moheli, where damages to schools, homes, and agricultural lands were reported.
In Mayotte, the cyclone wreaked havoc on around 230,000 residents, destroying 35,000 homes and causing damage to essential services such as the main hospital and airport. Approximately 100,000 individuals are now living in temporary accommodations lacking basic necessities. Mozambique is not spared, with reports indicating that approximately 622,000 people have endured the cyclone’s wrath, especially in Cabo Delgado, where shelters and infrastructure lay in ruins, exacerbating vulnerabilities among the population.
Meanwhile, Malawi has registered nearly 45,000 individuals stranded as the cyclone’s effects linger, underlining the need for ongoing humanitarian support. Current figures remain preliminary as assessments continue to gather a comprehensive understanding of the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, with National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent actively engaged in search and rescue operations while providing essential humanitarian relief.
In light of this crisis, the necessity for effective disaster preparedness and resilience among at-risk communities has never been clearer. The Emergency Appeal aims to secure resources for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to provide necessary humanitarian assistance, underscoring the urgent need to bolster community resilience against future cyclonic events.
The Southwest Indian Ocean cyclone season has been characterized by an anticipated increase in storm intensity, with Tropical Cyclone Chido being the first major event of the season. The cyclone impacted several regions, including Madagascar, Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi, leading to extensive fatalities and injuries. The swift national responses and ongoing humanitarian efforts are a testament to the pressing need for effective disaster management strategies in light of rising climate risks.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused substantial devastation across several countries in the Southwest Indian Ocean, leading to loss of life, displacement, and significant infrastructure damage. The extensive humanitarian response emphasizes the importance of preparedness and resilience in facing natural disasters. Ongoing efforts by organizations like the Red Cross are crucial to aiding recovery and strengthening community resilience. The current situation calls for immediate attention and resources to support affected individuals and to mitigate future risks during the cyclone season.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
