Cyclone Chido’s Catastrophic Impact on Southeast Africa: Thousands Feared Dead

Cyclone Chido has devastated southeast Africa, particularly impacting Mayotte and Mozambique, potentially resulting in thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. A curfew is in effect in Mayotte to manage the situation as aid is delivered. Concerns of a cholera outbreak are rising amid public health challenges in the affected areas. Experts attribute the cyclone’s intensity to high ocean temperatures and climate change.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused immense devastation across southeast Africa, particularly impacting the French island territory of Mayotte and neighboring countries, including Mozambique. The cyclone, which formed in the southwest Indian Ocean, is feared to have left thousands dead and many without homes or livelihoods.

Meteorologist Alex Baker from the University of Reading stated that, “Cyclone Chido underwent rapid intensification before landfall in Mauritius, weakened slightly, and then regained its Category 4-equivalent intensity before reaching Mayotte and continuing to Mozambique.” Local authorities in Mayotte estimate that the death toll could reach hundreds or even thousands.

Hospital reports currently indicate at least 22 deceased and over a thousand injured, although access to many areas remains restricted. Media reports have noted that several casualties were buried prior to official counts. To stabilize the situation, a curfew was enforced by the French government, and daily aid flights are delivering essential supplies to the affected region.

Aid organization Médecins du Monde (MDM) highlighted growing health concerns, stating that cholera is already present on the island. MDM Director Jean-François Corty warned, “It might turn into an epidemic if there is no way to ensure efficient access to water.”

In Mozambique, recent reports confirmed at least 34 fatalities, while neighboring Comoros has declared a national week of mourning for its anticipated casualties. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently updated the impact assessment, revealing that over 174,000 people in Mozambique, 34,000 in Malawi, and 64,000 in the Comoros have been affected by Cyclone Chido.

Météo-France described Chido as the strongest cyclone that Mayotte has experienced in over 90 years. Alex Baker attributed the widespread devastation faced by local communities to a “lack of resilience and low-income communities” in the affected areas. Though Mauritius reported no fatalities, government officials acknowledged significant damage to many buildings.

While the influence of climate change on Cyclone Chido remains uncertain, Helen Hooker, a meteorologist from the University of Reading, noted the exceptionally high sea temperatures in the Indian Ocean this year, which contributed to the cyclone’s formation and intensity, reaching wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph).

Professor Liz Stephens further commented on the trend of increasing cyclone intensity in this region, stating, “the intensity of tropical cyclones in the southwest Indian Ocean has been increasing, consistent with what scientists expect in a changing climate.” She underscored Chido’s impact as a testament to the vulnerability of small islands facing climate change.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in southeast Africa, particularly in Mayotte and Mozambique, leading to significant loss of life and displacement. Concerns over public health, especially the potential for cholera outbreaks, are rising as aid efforts continue. Experts have linked the cyclone’s severity to climate conditions, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of small island communities to such extreme weather events.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com