Tropical Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted the Southwest Indian Ocean, especially affecting Madagascar, Mozambique, and the Comoros. The cyclone has caused at least 142 deaths and led to extensive damage, displacing thousands and disrupting essential services. Urgent humanitarian response is required, and efforts are underway to assess and address the full extent of the damage. This situation emphasizes the critical need for community preparedness and resilience against extreme weather events.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has made an unprecedented impact in the Southwest Indian Ocean, marking the beginning of an above-average cyclone season. Beginning on December 11, Chido reached category 4 status, exhibiting sustained winds of 220 km/h and gusts of up to 250 km/h. As of December 22, the cyclone has led to at least 142 confirmed fatalities across affected regions, with Mozambique reporting the highest toll at 94 lives lost, followed by Mayotte and Malawi.
Madagascar was among the first nations to experience the cyclone’s effects, particularly in the Diana Region, where approximately 135,838 individuals faced displacement and infrastructural damage due to harsh winds and flooding. The government issued warnings and enacted evacuations, in collaboration with the Malagasy Red Cross, to protect vulnerable communities.
In the Comoros, a week of mourning was declared following the cyclone’s passage, with 64,167 people affected. Many homes were rendered uninhabitable, and significant agricultural losses were recorded. Meanwhile, Mayotte experienced severe repercussions with around 70% of its population, approximately 230,000 individuals, impacted; this included the destruction of about 35,000 residences and damage to critical facilities such as hospitals and airports. This has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges, with around 100,000 displaced individuals requiring immediate assistance.
Furthermore, Mozambique declares that close to 622,000 individuals have been affected by the cyclone, particularly in Cabo Delgado where extensive damage has occurred. Reports indicate over 130,000 shelters have been compromised, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities in these regions. In Malawi, approximately 45,000 individuals remain stranded, emphasizing an ongoing need for humanitarian intervention and disaster response.
These statistics are still being assessed for accuracy as evaluations for infrastructure and agricultural damage continue. The Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are on site to facilitate rescue operations, provide medical aid, and assist with relocation efforts. The situation highlights the pressing need for community preparedness and resilience against such extreme weather events. Thus, the Emergency Appeal aims to mobilize resources for effective humanitarian assistance, enhance readiness among National Societies, and promote community resilience throughout the cyclone season.
The Southwest Indian Ocean has faced increasingly severe cyclones in recent years, posing significant risks to island nations and coastal regions. Tropical Cyclone Chido, which formed in December, is a reminder of the potential for destructive natural disasters during cyclone seasons, particularly given climate change’s influence on storm intensity. The cyclone season, expected to be above average, has already inflicted critical damage across countries including Madagascar, Mozambique, and the Comoros, raising awareness on the essential need for disaster preparedness and response.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in considerable loss of life and widespread destruction across multiple countries in the Southwest Indian Ocean. With 142 confirmed deaths and many more individuals impacted, the need for immediate humanitarian assistance is clear. The response from Red Cross societies underscores the importance of readiness and resilience in the face of increasingly severe weather events. Future efforts must focus on enhancing preparedness to mitigate such disasters’ impacts effectively.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
