Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte and Mozambique, Prompting Humanitarian Response

Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique after causing destruction in Mayotte, affecting millions and prompting humanitarian responses. The cyclone’s winds exceeded 200 km/h, damaging infrastructure and risking lives across the region.

Cyclone Chido, classified as a devastating Category 4 storm, made landfall on December 15, 2023, in Pemba, the capital of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. This cyclone previously caused extensive damage in Mayotte, a French overseas department, where it left entire neighborhoods flattened and significantly impacted the local population. The storm threatened regions in Mozambique and Malawi with heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and the risk of flash floods, drawing concern from international humanitarian agencies like UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration.

Cyclone Chido has emerged as one of the most severe weather events in the region, affecting multiple countries in southeastern Africa. The cyclone’s path included a significant impact on Mayotte, where it was characterized by extreme wind speeds and heavy rain. This event is particularly alarming given the region’s vulnerability to climatic events, prompting immediate responses from national authorities and international organizations to assist affected populations and mitigate hazards.

The aftermath of Cyclone Chido highlights the urgent need for a coordinated humanitarian response in both Mozambique and Mayotte. With an estimated 1.7 million people affected in Mozambique and significant casualties reported in Mayotte, local and international agencies are mobilizing to address the needs of the impacted populations. As climate-related events become increasingly common, the resilience and preparedness of these communities will be essential.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in