Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused severe destruction in Mayotte, where winds reached over 220 km/h and led to extensive damages, though no casualties have been reported. The cyclone is also affecting the Comoros Islands and is expected to reach Mozambique. Local governments are mobilizing emergency responses as millions prepare for potential impacts, accentuating the broader problem of worsening cyclones due to climate change.
On Saturday, the French territory of Mayotte encountered severe destruction as Tropical Cyclone Chido approached the eastern coasts of Africa. According to the French weather service, the cyclone generated wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, causing significant damage to infrastructure, including the removal of metal roofs from homes in Mayotte, which is home to over 300,000 residents across two main islands. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties.
Mayotte Prefect, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, reported on Facebook that the region is undergoing the most violent cyclone since 1934, stating, “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934. Many of us have lost everything.” He indicated that while the highest alert level had been lifted to facilitate rescue operations, the general population was still under a red alert and advised to seek refuge in robust shelters.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau conveyed the extensive nature of the damages, stating on social media, “The damages already appear to be extensive.” Emergency services are fully mobilized, with 110 rescuers dispatched from France and Reunion, and an additional 140 reinforcements planned for deployment. Local media reported widespread outages of electricity, with thousands of homes affected, and debris scattered across the region, including toppled trees and destroyed structures.
Cyclone Chido is likewise impacting the Comoros Islands, located north of Mayotte, where authorities issued high-level alerts. Of particular concern is a group of 11 fishermen who have not returned since setting out to sea. In a precautionary measure, authorities in Comoros halted all maritime activities and closed the main airport. As the cyclone continues its course, it is expected to reach Mozambique’s coastline late Saturday or early Sunday, with forecasts predicting over 2.5 million individuals may be affected in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces.
Preparedness measures are underway further inland in Malawi and Zimbabwe, where authorities have anticipated flood conditions and are encouraging individuals in vulnerable areas to relocate. Severe cyclones, such as Idai in 2019 and Freddy last year, have previously resulted in extensive casualties and humanitarian crises across southern Africa. There are increasing fears that the aftermath of Chido may ignite outbreaks of waterborne diseases due to stagnant water, following similar consequences after Cyclone Idai.
Experts assert that climate change contributes to the intensification of cyclones, exacerbating the challenges faced by impoverished nations in southern Africa, which historically contribute minimally to global climate change yet endure the consequential crises.
The occurrence of cyclones in the Indian Ocean and southeastern Africa has significantly increased during the cyclone season, spanning from December to March. Tropical Cyclone Chido exemplifies a recent instance whereby a cyclone has wreaked havoc on Mayotte and is projected to impact Mozambique, posing a threat to millions. Past cyclones, such as Idai and Freddy, have precipitated severe humanitarian crises in the region, leading to substantial loss of life and the increased risk of waterborne diseases due to resulting flood conditions. Consequently, officials and disaster response teams are continually preparing for and mitigating these risks as climatic conditions worsen due to climate change.
The unfolding situation surrounding Tropical Cyclone Chido highlights the vulnerability of southern African nations, including Mayotte, the Comoros Islands, and Mozambique, to increasingly severe weather events. The looming threat of humanitarian crises, coupled with the potential for disease outbreaks following flooding, underscores the broader implications of climate change in the region. Emergency services and response measures are mobilizing to provide relief to affected areas, pointing towards the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and support amid these escalating cyclonic events.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
