Devastation Unleashed by Cyclone Chido in Mozambique and Mayotte

Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique after devastating Mayotte, causing extensive destruction and potential fatalities. The storm, with winds exceeding 200 km/h, has significantly affected an estimated 1.7 million people in Mozambique, leading to emergency response efforts from various humanitarian agencies.

Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, made landfall on December 15 in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique. Preceding this, the cyclone caused extensive damage in Mayotte, a French overseas territory, where reports indicated that entire neighborhoods had been destroyed and numerous fatalities feared. With winds exceeding 200 km/h, the cyclone has significantly impacted an estimated 1.7 million people in Mozambique, prompting urgent coordinated responses from humanitarian agencies.

The Malawi Red Cross reported on social media that Tropical Cyclone Chido, which was located over northern Mozambique, was already affecting parts of southern Malawi. Concerns regarding heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and flash floods have been raised, leading to swift preparations by disaster management teams. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration noted that Chido’s impact was felt across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, as they began assessing the humanitarian needs on the ground.

Prior to reaching Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on Mayotte, leaving an indelible mark on the small French territory where severe winds and torrential rain resulted in catastrophic devastation. The Prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, conveyed to local media that the projected death toll might number in the hundreds or possibly thousands, complicating the efforts to ascertain the true scale of the disaster due to local burial traditions.

Reports from Meteo France highlighted that the cyclone’s impact on Mayotte was unprecedented in nearly a century, with wind gusts surpassing 200 km/h. The repercussions of Cyclone Chido are expected to be extensive, as local and international relief efforts mobilize to assist the affected populations in both Mozambique and Mayotte, emphasizing the need for immediate humanitarian assistance and the coordination of resources to support recovery efforts.

Cyclone Chido serves as a significant reminder of the devastating impact that severe weather events can have on vulnerable regions. The cyclone, classified as Category 4, has affected areas with pre-existing vulnerabilities, especially in Mozambique, where the population has limited resources to cope with such natural disasters. The storm also highlights the challenges faced by French territories like Mayotte, which are ill-prepared for extreme weather occurrences and susceptible to catastrophic damage. This situation emphasizes the critical importance of disaster preparedness and international humanitarian assistance in mitigating the effects of such cyclones.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has demonstrated alarming devastation in both Mayotte and Mozambique, showcasing the dire impacts of extreme weather conditions on already vulnerable populations. With fatalities feared in Mayotte and significant disruptions expected in Mozambique, humanitarian organizations are prioritizing assessment and response efforts. The cyclone’s unprecedented impact urges a reconsideration of disaster preparedness strategies, particularly in regions prone to climate-induced calamities.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in