Resilience in the Face of Cyclone Chido: Comoros’ Journey to Recovery

Cyclone Chido devastated Comoros, causing significant damage to homes and agriculture. The country, among the most climate-vulnerable areas globally, swiftly mobilized emergency relief with World Bank support. Through the REPAIR program, Comoros is improving disaster preparedness and resilience. Collaboration with other African nations is key to facing future challenges and ensuring community recovery after disasters.

Cyclone Chido severely impacted the Comoros, as emphasized by Ali Athoumane, Chief of Dzuani village, who noted, “Many houses have been severely damaged, some have even disappeared entirely, leaving nothing but bare land.” Following its landfall on December 14, 2024, after hitting Mayotte, Chido caused catastrophic flooding, landslides, and blackouts, displacing families and severely harming small farmers in an agricultural-dependent economy. The destructive aftermath remains present, instilling apprehension about future cyclones amid an ongoing storm season.

Comoros, located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique, ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations. Over half of its population, approximately 54.2%, resides in areas at risk of natural disasters. Climate change has intensified the occurrence and impact of cyclones, torrential rains, and droughts, further compromising the livelihoods of impoverished communities and disrupting essential services and developments.

In response to cyclone Chido, the Comorian authorities, aided by the World Bank, quickly mobilized emergency resources such as food, water, shelters, and kits for affected families. This response was facilitated by a well-established operational emergency response system, developed through experience with past disasters to ensure timely assistance during crises.

In September 2024, Comoros partnered with Madagascar and Mozambique to join the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery Program (REPAIR), which the African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd) and the World Bank established. REPAIR, supported by a $926 million fund, aims to enhance financial preparedness for climate-related disasters among 12 African nations, fostering cooperative disaster response mechanisms.

Notably, Comoros became the first nation to activate the REPAIR program during an emergency, highlighting the importance of timely assistance. The collaboration among ministries, civil protection agencies, and local communities proved vital in the effective delivery of aid to households and local businesses crucial for recovery. Boubacar-Sid, the Country Manager for Comoros, noted the essentiality of preparedness in saving lives.

Looking ahead, Comoros is leveraging its REPAIR successes to enhance climate resilience and contingency planning, collaborating with ARC Ltd experts. This March, Comoros will share its insights at a regional workshop in South Africa, focusing on disaster risk finance among African nations. Such collaborative efforts are pivotal for advancing climate adaptation strategies to create a resilient future.

Although the path forward is fraught with challenges, proactive measures taken now will significantly influence future outcomes. For Comoros and similarly vulnerable nations, resilience is imperative. Through innovation and collective engagement, African nations can ensure that communities have support to rebuild following natural disasters.

In conclusion, the experience of Comoros following cyclone Chido reflects the critical importance of preparedness and coordinated responses in disaster management. With the establishment of the REPAIR program, Comoros exemplifies how countries can collaborate to enhance resilience against climate-related calamities. By investing in climate resilience initiatives and sharing knowledge with other nations, Comoros lays the foundation for a more sustainable and secure future. Ultimately, it is clear that proactive measures and united efforts are essential for safeguarding vulnerable populations in the face of natural disasters.

Original Source: www.worldbank.org