Indian Ocean Islands Prepare for Cyclone Chido as Red Alerts Are Issued

Cyclone Chido is threatening the Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte, with authorities enacting school closures and evacuation plans. Mozambique has also issued red alerts, predicting that over two million individuals may be affected. The region is preparing for severe impacts due to the cyclone and ongoing concerns regarding climate change and public health crises.

The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are currently preparing for the impending impact of Cyclone Chido as it progresses toward Africa’s eastern coastline. Authorities in Comoros have mandated school closures in anticipation of the cyclone’s arrival, which is expected to commence early Saturday. The cyclone is forecasted to pass the northern regions of Madagascar before hitting Mayotte, which has been placed under a red alert by the French national weather service, indicating a serious threat to life and property.

On the African mainland, Mozambique has also issued a red alert for its northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with estimates suggesting that over two million individuals may be affected by the cyclone’s landfall, anticipated early on Sunday. The Mozambique National Meteorological Institute indicated forecasted wind speeds reaching 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour). Ana Cristina, the director of the National Emergency Operations Center, disclosed, “We believe that we can initially start working with an estimate of around 2.5 million people in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula who may be affected and will need to be rescued.”

Madagascar is proactively addressing the approaching storm with alerts disseminated via cellphones and radio broadcasts to encourage precautionary measures. Evacuations are already being initiated in the northern region of Diana, where the cyclone’s effects are expected to be most severe. Authorities have warned nearly 20,000 residents in this area about the imminent threat. In response, Madagascar’s agencies have been distributing food and essential emergency supplies since earlier this week.

The French government is taking measures to assist Mayotte, dispatching around 110 personnel, including emergency response teams from the mainland and firefighters from Reunion Island, alongside three tons of emergency equipment. This aid includes the deployment of search dogs and rescue specialists to help with any potential casualties and damage.

The period from December to March is the designated cyclone season for this region, which has recently experienced a spate of severe cyclones. Previous storms, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy last year, resulted in significant fatalities across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Research indicates that the frequency and intensity of these cyclones are escalating due to climate change, leading to increased risks of flooding and related health crises such as cholera, dengue fever, and malaria following such disasters.

Crisis24, a risk management firm, outlined the potential for Cyclone Chido to create hazardous conditions, including flash flooding and landslides, which could have dire implications for public health in the affected regions.

Cyclone Chido poses an imminent threat to the Indian Ocean islands and parts of southeastern Africa as it approaches the coastline. The cyclone season, which runs from December through March, has historically produced severe storms that have wreaked havoc in the region. Climate change has contributed to the increasing severity of these storms, amplifying the risk of widespread devastation and public health emergencies. Past cyclones have resulted in significant casualties, underscoring the need for preparedness and effective response strategies for affected populations.

In summary, Cyclone Chido is raising alarm across the Indian Ocean islands and parts of eastern Africa, prompting urgent preparedness and response efforts from local and national authorities. School closures, evacuation plans, and emergency assistance are being mobilized as the cyclone threatens to impact millions of lives. The situation highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change and the necessity for sustained adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com