Tropical Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte and Threatens Eastern Africa

Cyclone Chido has caused severe destruction in Mayotte, with winds surpassing 220 km/h, leading to extensive damage but no reported casualties. The storm poses further risks as it approaches mainland Africa, affecting Mozambique and potentially inundating surrounding nations with flooding and disease outbreaks. Emergency services are mobilized in response to the destruction across the region, with heightened alerts in Comoros and surrounding areas.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, as it approaches mainland Africa. Reports indicate that Chido generated winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, leading to significant destruction across the islands populated by over 300,000 residents. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, although many citizens have lost their homes and possessions. Mayotte Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville emphasized the storm’s unprecedented severity, stating, “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934.”

In response to the cyclone, the local government is on high alert while awaiting the conclusion of the storm. Bieuville advised residents to remain in secure shelters and restricted movement to emergency services only. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau remarked on the extensive damage incurred, with power outages reported in thousands of homes, the uprooting of numerous trees, and the destruction of smaller structures. The French government has mobilized 110 rescuers and firefighters to Mayotte, with additional personnel expected to arrive shortly.

Meanwhile, the neighboring Comoros islands are also experiencing severe weather from Chido, leading to heightened warnings and the apprehension regarding 11 fishermen unaccounted for since Monday. Authorities in Comoros have mandated local vessels to stay docked and have shuttered the main airport and public offices as precautionary measures.

Forecasters predict that Cyclone Chido will continue eastward, potentially impacting Mozambique late on Saturday or early Sunday. Mozambique’s disaster management officials anticipate that approximately 2.5 million citizens in the northern regions of Cabo Delgado and Nampula could be affected. In anticipation, officials in Malawi and Zimbabwe are advising vulnerable populations to seek elevated areas as flooding is anticipated.

The cyclone season from December to March in the southeastern Indian Ocean has become increasingly violent in recent years. Past cyclones, statistics indicate, have claimed over 1,300 lives across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe in 2019, and more than 1,000 deaths last year due to Cyclone Freddy. Not only do these weather events increase the risk of flooding and landslides, but they also create conditions for outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and malaria due to stagnant water left in the aftermath. Studies suggest that climate change is exacerbating the intensity of these cyclones, leaving economically poor nations in southern Africa, which contribute minimally to global warming, vulnerable to massive humanitarian crises.

The impact of Cyclone Chido reflects a broader trend in climate-related weather events affecting the Indian Ocean region and southern Africa. The area is prone to cyclones during the December to March cyclone season, and recent years have seen increasingly severe storms with devastating consequences for local populations. Economic vulnerability plays a critical role, as southern African nations struggle with the aftermath of these disasters while contributing little to the overall causes of climate change. Past cyclones have resulted in significant loss of life and property, emphasizing the need for improved disaster response and management as weather patterns become more erratic.

Cyclone Chido’s destructive path through Mayotte and its potential impact on mainland Africa highlight the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. The cyclone has inflicted extensive damage, prompting local authorities to mobilize emergency responses and restrict public movement to safeguard residents. As Chido approaches Mozambique, officials are bracing for significant humanitarian implications, especially given the history of devastating cyclones in the region. The situation calls for urgent assistance and highlights the need for global attention towards climate resilience in vulnerable areas.

Original Source: www.voanews.com