Mayotte Struggles with Aftermath of Cyclone Chido as Climate Change Intensifies Storms

Mayotte is reeling from Cyclone Chido, the most severe storm in 90 years, resulting in at least 22 deaths and widespread destruction. Climate scientists warn that human-caused climate change is making cyclones more intense and frequent, particularly during the cyclone season from December to March. Additionally, inadequate weather tracking systems hinder preparedness for such storms, prompting initiatives aimed at improving early warning capabilities across Africa.

The Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which has emerged as the most powerful storm to affect the region in nearly a century. Since Chido’s landfall on Saturday, the cyclone has caused the fatalities of at least 22 individuals, decimated entire neighborhoods, inflicted significant damage on infrastructure, and uprooted trees. This situation raises urgent concerns regarding the increasing intensity and frequency of cyclones in the region, a trend that climate scientists attribute to human-induced climate change.

Cyclone season in southeast Africa extends from December to March, coinciding with peak ocean temperatures that fuel tropical storms. In prior years, regions in southeastern Africa, including Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, have endured destructive storms, namely Cyclone Freddy in 2023, Batsirai in 2022, and Idai in 2019. While these storms are referred to as cyclones in the Indian Ocean, they share similarities with hurricanes.

Climate change exacerbates cyclone conditions by elevating ocean temperatures, which is a critical component for cyclone formation. Currently, the planet’s atmosphere is 1.3 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times, translating to increased sea surface temperatures that feed storms. In the case of Chido, the ocean temperatures were approximately 29 degrees Celsius, contributing to its severity. Furthermore, studies have indicated that cyclones affecting southeastern Africa in 2022 were worsened as a direct result of climate change, although a lack of sufficient weather data hampers precise analysis of the extent of this impact.

The continent faces significant challenges regarding early warning systems for extreme weather events. Estimates from the World Meteorological Organization indicate that Africa operates only 37 radar facilities for weather tracking, in stark contrast to Europe and North America’s facilities. Consequently, this deficiency in weather tracking capabilities compromises the ability of vulnerable regions to prepare adequately for storms, often resulting in devastating death tolls; Cyclone Idai in 2019 alone claimed over 1,000 lives.

In response to these challenges, the United Nations has initiated a project aimed at ensuring that every individual in the world has access to early weather warning systems within five years. The Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, Celeste Saulo, has prioritized improving access to forecasts, emphasizing that adapting to climate change is an essential necessity.

The increasing frequency and severity of cyclones along the southeastern coast of Africa have raised alarms among climate scientists and policymakers. The combination of human-induced climate change and poorer infrastructure for weather forecasting has exacerbated the situation. Understanding the causes of these storms, particularly the role of ocean temperatures and climate change, is vital for preparing and mitigating future impacts. The cyclones not only result in loss of life but also cause significant infrastructural damage and economic loss for affected regions.

Cyclone Chido has highlighted the growing vulnerability of regions like Mayotte to extreme weather events exacerbated by human-caused climate change. The profound impact of warmer ocean temperatures on cyclone intensity necessitates urgent action in mitigating climate change effects and bolstering infrastructure for early warning systems. With many parts of Africa lacking adequate weather forecasting capabilities, the need for improved access to timely weather information has become increasingly critical. The UN’s initiative to enhance weather warning systems marks a significant step towards addressing these pressing challenges.

Original Source: www.seattletimes.com