Severe Destruction in Mayotte as Cyclone Chido Approaches Eastern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused extensive damage in Mayotte, surpassing 220 kph winds, leaving many without power and infrastructure ruined, while authorities deploy rescue efforts. Concerns extend to neighboring Comoros and Mozambique, where warnings of humanitarian crises are raised as regional countries brace for flooding and possible disease outbreaks following the storm’s aftermath.

Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, has faced severe devastation due to Tropical Cyclone Chido, which is now moving toward the eastern coastline of Africa. Winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour wreaked havoc on the islands housing a population of over 300,000, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly the roofs of homes. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties.

Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934. Many of us have lost everything.” Following the cyclone’s passage, a higher alert level was lifted to facilitate rescue operations. However, a red alert remains in place for the general public, urging residents to seek shelter. Only emergency personnel can exercise mobility outside.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau noted the immense damage sustained, stating, “The damages already appear to be extensive.” Local reports indicated widespread power outages, with numerous homes felled by the storm. To assist recovery efforts, rescue teams totaling 250, including firefighters from Reunion and France, are being deployed.

Cyclone Chido also severely impacted the nearby Comoros islands, triggering a red alert for certain areas. Authorities expressed concern over a group of fishermen reported missing after departing to sea earlier in the week. As a precaution, all vessels have been instructed to remain in harbor, with the closure of key infrastructure such as airports and government offices.

Forecasts indicate that Cyclone Chido is likely to make landfall in Mozambique by late Saturday or early Sunday, with humanitarian officials fearing this could affect approximately 2.5 million individuals in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. In preparation, Malawi and Zimbabwe are also bracing for the cyclone’s impact, with advisories for evacuation and relocation to safer grounds due to anticipated flooding.

The cyclone season in the southeastern Indian Ocean typically spans from December to March, a period that has seen a rise in the severity of tropical storms due to climate change. Historical cyclones such as Idai in 2019 and Freddy in the previous year resulted in extensive loss of life across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, highlighting the persistent threat posed by these natural disasters, alongside risks for waterborne diseases following flooding.

Tropical cyclones are powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters and can cause substantial devastation upon making landfall. The frequency and intensity of these storms have been attributed to climate change, leading to concerns for regions, particularly in southern Africa, that contribute minimally to global emissions yet experience the brunt of these natural disasters. The cyclone season, extending from December to March, often poses significant risks not only for immediate physical damage but also for prolonged humanitarian crises in affected areas, exacerbated by outbreaks of diseases stemming from stagnant water.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage on Mayotte and is closing in on the eastern African mainland, with significant concerns reported for the affected regions including Mozambique and Comoros. The response efforts are in motion, with a coordinated deployment of emergency services. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges presented by climate change, as vulnerable populations continue to face the repercussions of environmental phenomena driven by global trends, highlighting the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies.

Original Source: www.voanews.com