Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused widespread destruction in Mayotte with winds exceeding 220 km/h, leaving many without power and damaging homes. The storm is forecasted to impact Mozambique next, escalating humanitarian concerns, particularly in impoverished nations affected by increased cyclone frequency linked to climate change. Emergency services are mobilized to assist the local population in the wake of the disaster.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, as it progresses towards eastern Africa. According to French meteorological authorities, the cyclone unleashed wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, resulting in widespread damage to infrastructure and homes within the territory, which houses approximately 300,000 residents. Despite not having immediate reports of casualties, local officials reported that many residents had lost everything due to the storm’s ferocity.
Mayotte Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville described the event as the most powerful cyclone to strike the archipelago since 1934, indicating the severe repercussions on the local population. Following the cyclone, rescue operations commenced although Mayotte remains under a red alert for residents, urging individuals to remain sheltered until conditions stabilize. The French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, acknowledged the extensive damages already evident, emphasizing the mobilization of both state and local emergency services to assist those affected.
Local reports indicated that thousands of households have lost electrical power, and numerous structures, including tin huts, have been damaged or completely destroyed by the storm. To bolster rescue efforts, 110 firefighters and rescue personnel from mainland France and Reunion have been deployed, with plans to send an additional 140 personnel soon.
The cyclone is also impacting the Comoros islands, situated north of Mayotte, where authorities have raised high alert warnings. Concerns have been raised for eleven fishermen unaccounted for since their departure into the ocean prior to the storm. The government has implemented strict maritime regulations, and all vessels are required to remain anchored.
As Cyclone Chido continues its trajectory towards Mozambique, forecasts suggest that it may reach the mainland by late Saturday or early Sunday. The disaster agency in Mozambique has issued warnings that approximately 2.5 million individuals may be at risk in northern provinces. Neighboring countries, including Malawi and Zimbabwe, are also preparing for the impact of the cyclone, with authorities advising residents in vulnerable areas to seek higher ground.
Cyclone season in the southeastern Indian Ocean occurs from December to March, and the region has recently experienced a series of powerful cyclones. Previous storms, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy last year, have had significant death tolls and repercussions in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The aftermath of such cyclones can lead to increased risks of flooding, landslides, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases, which are exacerbated by climate change, afflicting poorer nations that contribute minimally to global climate issues.
Tropical cyclones are significant meteorological events, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, which experiences its cyclone season between December and March. The frequency and intensity of these cyclones have been escalating in recent years, attributed largely to the impacts of climate change. Countries within southeastern Africa, having minimal participation in climate change aggravators, frequently bear the brunt of these natural disasters, often leading to humanitarian crises following severe weather events. Cyclone Idai and Cyclone Freddy are examples of past storms that resulted in massive loss of life and extensive damage in southern Africa, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such natural catastrophes.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has wrought considerable havoc in Mayotte and is poised to impact larger populations in Mozambique and surrounding areas. The storm exemplifies the increasing severity of cyclones associated with climate change, causing widespread economic repercussions and humanitarian needs in already vulnerable regions. As recovery efforts begin in Mayotte and preparations escalate in Mozambique and neighboring countries, the recognition of climate change’s role in exacerbating such disasters becomes increasingly critical in fostering resilience and developing effective response strategies in the future.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
