Emergency Appeal for Tropical Cyclone Chido: Response and Recovery Actions

Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted devastating damage across the Southwest Indian Ocean, confirming at least 142 deaths and affecting over 622,000 individuals in Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, and Malawi. The cyclone, categorized as a category 4 storm, resulted in extensive destruction of infrastructure and agriculture, prompting urgent humanitarian responses and emphasizing the need for enhanced disaster preparedness.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as the most impactful cyclone within the Southwest Indian Ocean, occurring during a season anticipated to be early and formidable. The cyclone reached catastrophic category 4 status by December 11, exhibiting sustained winds of 220 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h. Its destructive path led to the confirmation of at least 142 fatalities—94 in Mozambique, 35 in Mayotte, and 13 in Malawi—along with over 3,300 reported injuries. The cyclone first affected Madagascar, with potential impacts on approximately 135,838 individuals, causing widespread infrastructure damage and prompting evacuations.

In the Comoros, a national week of mourning was spearheaded as the cyclone impacted 64,167 residents, damaging homes and leading to significant agricultural loss, while approximately 70% of Mayotte’s population, around 230,000 people, faced severe consequences with widespread destruction of homes and critical facilities. Mozambique reported that about 622,000 individuals were affected, with massive infrastructural damages in Cabo Delgado and other provinces. In Malawi, the remnants of the cyclone left nearly 45,000 residents stranded, necessitating extended humanitarian intervention and disaster response measures.

Currently, the National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are mobilized to provide essential humanitarian support, including search and rescue operations and relocation assistance. The ongoing relief efforts accentuate the pressing need for preparedness and resilience against increasingly intense tropical storms. This Emergency Appeal seeks to gather support for crucial resources that will enhance the capabilities of the IFRC network in delivering assistance while fortifying the resilience of vulnerable communities throughout the cyclone season.

The Southwest Indian Ocean has historically faced seasonal threats from tropical cyclones, presenting significant risks to coastal nations such as Madagascar, Mozambique, and the Comoros. Cyclone Chido, impacting the region in December, has exemplified the increasing intensity and destructiveness of these storms, inflicting severe human and infrastructural losses. The government responses to such disasters are critical for mitigating impact and facilitating recovery, emphasizing the necessity for effective disaster management strategies.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has had a devastating effect in the Southwest Indian Ocean, particularly impacting Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi. The urgent need for humanitarian assistance is underscored, as the storm has resulted in significant fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture. The response efforts by the Red Cross emphasize the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of future extreme weather events.

Original Source: reliefweb.int