Cyclone Chido is approaching the Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte, prompting emergency measures as authorities prepare for potential severe impacts. Schools in Comoros are closed, while red alerts have been issued for Mayotte and parts of Mozambique. The cyclone is expected to affect millions, exacerbating concerns about flooding and disease outbreaks.
The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Chido, projected to approach Africa’s eastern coast imminently. Schools in Comoros have been shut down as authorities anticipate impacts beginning early Saturday. Prior to its expected landfall in Comoros, Chido will traverse the northern tip of Madagascar, prompting Mayotte to issue a red alert—the highest level of warning—as of Friday evening.
The cyclone’s trajectory is concerning for Mozambique’s northern regions of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, where a red alert has also been declared, estimating potential threats to over two million residents. Ana Cristina, director of the National Emergency Operations Center, noted that approximately 2.5 million individuals may require rescue in these provinces. The reach of Cyclone Chido may even extend to landlocked Zimbabwe.
In Madagascar, precautions are being communicated through cellphone alerts and radio broadcasts, urging residents to prepare for the extreme weather, particularly in the Diana region, where evacuations have commenced. Approximately 20,000 individuals are predicted to be affected in this specific area, leading local authorities to supply essential provisions and emergency equipment since the preceding Tuesday.
The French government is dispatching about 110 personnel to Mayotte for support following the cyclone, which includes emergency workers and specialized rescue teams. The region is currently witnessing its cyclone season, which extends from December to March, and has been increasingly susceptible to severe storms attributed to climate change.
Companies such as Crisis24 have warned that Cyclone Chido may lead to significant flooding and landslides, with stagnant water posing risks for outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, alongside increasing incidences of dengue fever and malaria as observed after previous cyclones.
Overall, the approaching Cyclone Chido underscores the escalating threat of tropical storms in the region and highlights the urgent need for preparedness among affected populations.
As the Indian Ocean region experiences its cyclone season, the islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte face heightened vulnerability to severe tropical storms. Climate change has contributed to the intensification of such cyclones, with significant impacts observed in previous years. With infrastructure and public health systems often severely tested, the need for timely alerts and emergency responses has become increasingly critical to safeguard the communities who are at risk.
In summary, Cyclone Chido poses a significant threat to the Indian Ocean islands and surrounding mainland areas. As communities prepare for severe weather, the necessity for emergency measures, public communication, and humanitarian support is paramount. The impending impact serves as a stark reminder of the increasingly dangerous cyclone patterns resulting from climate change, emphasizing that proactive planning is indispensable for mitigating disasters.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
