Cyclone Chido has caused extensive damage in Mayotte, with wind speeds over 220 km/h. The French territory’s Prefect warned of the cyclone’s severity, marking it the worst since 1934. Rescue efforts are in full swing, with no immediate casualties reported. As the cyclone moves toward Mozambique, several regions prepare for potential flooding and hazards. The increased intensity of cyclones highlights the global climate change crisis affecting vulnerable nations.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, as it continues its advance toward eastern Africa. With wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, Chido has caused significant destruction, including the displacement of roofs from numerous homes in the region where the population stands at over 300,000. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties.
Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the Mayotte Prefect, remarked, “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934. Many of us have lost everything.” In light of the devastation, emergency services are on high alert, and the public has been advised to seek refuge in strong shelters as the island remains under red alert. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed that the damages were extensive, stating, “The damages already appear to be extensive,” and assured that emergency services were fully mobilized to assist the affected.
Reports indicate that power outages have impacted thousands of homes, alongside debris from destroyed structures and uprooted trees. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 110 personnel dispatched from France and Reunion, and an additional 140 are expected to arrive soon. Meanwhile, the nearby Comoros islands face similar challenges, prompting a red alert as authorities worry for 11 fishermen missing at sea.
As Chido heads towards Mozambique, where it is anticipated to arrive late Saturday or early Sunday, the national disaster agency warns that approximately 2.5 million individuals may face adverse impacts. Further inland, Malawi and Zimbabwe are preparing for potential flooding, urging residents to relocate to higher ground if necessary.
The cyclone season, spanning from December to March, poses serious threats to southern Africa, which has encountered multiple acute weather events in recent years. Past cyclones, including Idai in 2019 and Freddy last year, have resulted in significant fatalities and humanitarian crises, fueled by climate change. As this trend escalates, it is imperative to acknowledge the severe consequences faced by impoverished nations that contribute minimally to climate change while grappling with its devastating effects.
Tropical cyclones, common in the southeastern Indian Ocean from December through March, pose a distinct risk to the eastern coast of Africa. Regions such as Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe often find themselves vulnerable, suffering major impacts from intense storms. In recent years, consecutive cyclones have led to large-scale humanitarian crises, causing substantial loss of life and infrastructure damage. Climate change is thought to exacerbate these events, with studies showing an increase in cyclone intensity and frequency, prompting local governments to prepare for their inevitable consequences effectively.
The impact of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte signifies a severe weather event with extensive implications for both the local population and nearby regions. As the cyclone progresses toward Mozambique and beyond, it is vital for emergency services to remain vigilant and for affected individuals to take precautions. The increasing severity of cyclones due to climate change calls for urgent attention and support for those nations that bear the brunt of these disasters despite contributing minimally to the causes of climate change.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
