Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte on December 14, 2023, led to significant casualties and destruction, with climate change linked to its intensity. The storm’s impact has highlighted government shortcomings in disaster response, particularly towards vulnerable populations, such as undocumented migrants. As the political fallout unfolds, urgency mounts for better climate action and infrastructure development to mitigate future disasters in overseas territories like Mayotte.
The recent devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, which struck on December 14, 2023, has led to severe humanitarian crises as authorities confront the aftermath. With winds exceeding 200 kph, the cyclone resulted in at least 22 confirmed casualties and over 1,400 injuries, although officials fear the actual death toll could be much higher, particularly among undocumented migrants. Amidst destruction and disrupted communication, the island grapples with escalating hunger, disease, and insecurity.
Experts attribute the cyclone’s unprecedented strength to climate change, with a study from Imperial College London revealing that human activity increased Chido’s wind speeds by approximately 11 kph, elevating the cyclone from Category 3 to Category 4 status. Dr. Nathan Sparks, a research associate, indicates that the chances of such strong cyclones impacting Mayotte have surged by 40 percent compared to pre-industrial levels. The strikingly hot sea temperatures that fueled Chido’s rapid intensification have also been tied to climate change, now more than 50 times more probable due to global warming.
Political fallout is emerging as French President Emmanuel Macron plans to visit the troubled region, with criticisms directed at Prime Minister François Bayrou who faced backlash for his distant crisis management approach. The early warning system may have functioned adequately, but the undocumented migrant population, fearful of arrests, reportedly avoided shelters. Left-wing political figures assert that France’s neglect of Mayotte, particularly in relation to developing infrastructure to meet extreme weather challenges, must be addressed.
Research indicates that the European overseas territories are especially vulnerable to climate repercussions. A recent study highlights that regions like Mayotte experience the most severe impacts of climate change, with many areas at risk of becoming uninhabitable due to rising sea levels. Activists in other territories, such as the Caribbean, have taken legal action against their governments for inadequate climate protection measures, underscoring a pattern of neglect towards these regions.
Cyclone Chido is the most lethal storm recorded in Mayotte in over nine decades, intensifying the ongoing crises that involve humanitarian, political, and environmental implications. The storm’s connection to climate change illustrates a broader trend concerning the increasing severity of tropical cyclones globally, particularly in regions that are already susceptible due to socio-economic vulnerabilities. As global temperatures rise, the dynamics governing cyclone formation and intensification are dramatically altered, calling attention to the need for urgent climate action and disaster preparedness in vulnerable territories.
In summary, the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte has spotlighted the dire consequences of climate change, particularly in low-income regions where poverty and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate vulnerability. The link between climate change and the intensified frequency and severity of such storms necessitates urgent international climate policies aimed at reducing emissions and better preparing vulnerable communities. Furthermore, political implications and calls for accountability in how France addresses these issues in its overseas territories underscore the complex interplay between climate policy and disaster management.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
