Cyclone Chido is approaching Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte, prompting school closures and red alerts as authorities prepare for severe weather. An estimated two million people in Mozambique may be affected upon landfall. Past cyclones highlight the increasing risks due to climate change, pushing communities to implement emergency measures as the cyclone season intensifies.
The islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are preparing for the impending arrival of Cyclone Chido, which is currently moving towards Africa’s east coast. Authorities in Comoros have initiated school closures in anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, expected to occur early Saturday. Following its passage near Madagascar’s northern tip, Chido will affect Mayotte, prompting the French weather service to issue a red alert, marking the highest level of warning.
On the mainland, Mozambique has also declared a red alert for the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, estimating that over two million individuals may experience the cyclone’s effects when it reaches land, with landfall anticipated early Sunday. The Mozambique National Meteorological Institute predicts winds of up to 200 kph (124 mph). Ana Cristina, the director 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.”
Madagascar has proactively sent alerts via cellphones and radio broadcasts to prompt necessary precautions among residents, particularly in the northern region of Diana, which is expected to face the worst of the cyclone. Emergency measures, including evacuations, are underway in this vulnerable area, where nearly 20,000 individuals could be at risk.
In the wake of Cyclone Chido, the French government is deploying approximately 110 personnel to Mayotte, responding with disaster assistance, including emergency workers and vital equipment from mainland France and nearby Reunion. Rescue specialists are also included in this initiative, as reported by Col. Frédéric Leguillier, head of Mayotte’s fire and rescue service.
The cyclone season, spanning December to March, has seen an increase in frequency and intensity of storms, raising concerns over public safety and potential disaster. Past incidents such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, which led to over 1,300 fatalities across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, highlight the devastating impacts of such natural disasters. The compound effects of climate change have reportedly exacerbated the severity of these cyclones. Crisis24, a risk management firm, forewarns that Cyclone Chido could induce hazardous flooding and landslides, potentially leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases, reminiscent of the crisis following Cyclone Idai.
In the Indian Ocean region, the islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are facing the threat of Cyclone Chido, which poses significant risks to local populations due to its predicted high winds and rainfall. Historical context shows that the cyclone season, from December to March, frequently brings devastating storms to the area, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and preparedness among residents. The increasing severity of cyclones in recent years has been attributed to climate change, raising concerns about the safety of millions in the region and the potential for humanitarian crises.
Cyclone Chido’s impending impact on Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte underscores the urgency for communities to prepare for severe weather events, given the historical context of cyclones in the region and their associated risks. With millions facing potential harm, coordinated emergency efforts are crucial to mitigate the effects of the storm and safeguard public health amid growing concerns regarding climate change and extreme weather patterns.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
