Cyclone Chido Threatens Indian Ocean Islands and African Mainland

Cyclone Chido is approaching Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte, prompting school closures and evacuations as authorities brace for its impact. Mozambique issued a red alert, expecting significant flooding and potentially millions affected. The French government is sending aid to Mayotte, as the region prepares for possible emergencies related to the cyclone.

The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are gearing up for Cyclone Chido, which is predicted to impact them imminently as it approaches Africa’s eastern coast. The Comoros archipelago has responded with school closures in anticipation of the storm’s arrival early Saturday. Additionally, the cyclone is projected to pass near the northern coast of Madagascar, prompting defense measures such as evacuations in the vulnerable northern region of Diana. Mayotte, a French territory situated south of Comoros, has reached the highest alert status, as indicated by the French national meteorological service.

On the mainland, Mozambique has also declared a red alert, warning that Cyclone Chido could directly affect over two million residents in the regions of Cabo Delgado and Nampula by the time it makes landfall early Sunday. The National Emergency Operations Center of Mozambique estimates that approximately 2.5 million individuals could need assistance.

Even Zimbabwe is preparing for potential repercussions from the cyclone. Emergency alerts and advisories have been distributed throughout Madagascar via cellphone and radio broadcasts, advising residents to take necessary precautions. Nearly 20,000 individuals in the northern Diana region are expected to be significantly impacted, prompting supplies and emergency equipment to be dispatched since Tuesday.

To aid Mayotte, the French government is mobilizing approximately 110 personnel, including emergency workers and firefighters, as well as three tons of emergency supplies. This support encompasses search and rescue resources, showcasing the gravity of the situation as the cyclone approaches.

The cyclone season, spanning from December to March, has seen an upsurge in severe weather events in the region due to climate change, causing devastating losses in previous years, including Cyclone Idai and Cyclone Freddy. Crisis24 predicts that Cyclone Chido may provoke severe flooding and landslides, potentially leading to outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, and malaria following its passage.

Cyclone Chido is a significant tropical storm affecting the Indian Ocean islands and the mainland African regions. The cyclone season, lasting from December to March, has previously brought devastating storms, exacerbated by climate change. Recent cyclones have led to catastrophic losses across multiple countries, prompting immediate emergency responses and alerts from governments and meteorological services to protect vulnerable populations. The storm is expected to have serious implications for the densely populated areas it is set to impact, which are still recovering from past weather-related disasters.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido poses a severe threat to the Indian Ocean islands and nearby mainland regions in Africa, prompting heightened alerts and emergency preparations. With millions potentially affected, authorities are mobilizing resources and aid to mitigate the storm’s impact and support those at risk. The ongoing challenges posed by climate change underscore the importance of preparedness in these vulnerable areas during the cyclone season.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com