Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Mayotte and Threatens Eastern Africa

Cyclone Chido has severely damaged Mayotte, bringing winds over 220 km/h and extensive destruction, including power outages and housing damage. Authorities continue rescue operations while preparing for further impacts as the cyclone moves towards Mozambique. Concerns also arise for the neighboring Comoros islands and vulnerable populations in Malawi and Zimbabwe. The cyclone highlights the growing severity of such storms due to climate change.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction in Mayotte, a French territory situated in the Indian Ocean. With winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, the cyclone has devastated infrastructure, ripping metal roofs from homes in a region inhabited by over 300,000 people. While there have been no immediate reports of injuries, Mayotte Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville has indicated the severity of the damage, stating, “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934. Many of us have lost everything.”In response to the cyclone, authorities have lifted the highest alert level to facilitate rescue operations, although the general public remains under a red alert and is requested to stay sheltered. Thousands of residences have lost power, with reports detailing the destruction of tents and small structures, while many trees have also fallen. Emergency services are mobilized, with 110 rescuers and firefighters dispatched from France and Réunion Island, and an additional 140 reinforcements set to arrive shortly.Mayotte’s neighboring islands in Comoros are similarly impacted, with authorities issuing a red alert for certain areas. Concerns mount for a group of fishermen who have been unaccounted for since Monday. Maritime traffic has been curtailed, and all educational institutions were closed to ready the populace for the impending storm.Cyclone Chido is projected to continue its path towards the southeastern coast of Africa, with Mozambique on track to face impact shortly. Mozambican disaster officials have reported that up to 2.5 million individuals may be affected in the northern provinces. Furthermore, neighboring Malawi and Zimbabwe are on high alert, with authorities advising residents to evacuate low-lying areas due to anticipated flooding. The cyclone season in this part of the world traditionally spans from December to March; however, recent years have witnessed an increase in the severity and frequency of tropical cyclones due to climate change, amplifying the humanitarian crises faced by the impoverished nations of southern Africa. Past events, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy last year, have exemplified this trend, leading to tragic loss of life and prompting health concerns associated with waterborne diseases exacerbated by flooding.

Cyclone Chido is a significant meteorological event that has impacted Mayotte and is projected to affect adjacent regions in eastern Africa. Cyclones in the southeastern Indian Ocean occur seasonally, particularly from December to March, and have been intensifying in severity due to climate change. This trend has dire implications for southern African countries, which often lack the resources to effectively respond to natural disasters. Previous cyclones have resulted in extensive devastation and loss of life, raising serious public health concerns, including the risk of malaria, cholera, and dengue fever following flooding.

In summary, Cyclone Chido represents a critical natural disaster for Mayotte and the surrounding regions, with extensive infrastructural damage and significant humanitarian concerns arising. The storm’s trajectory towards Mozambique suggests further calamities. The historical pattern of increasing cyclone severity has been tied to climate change, challenging the already vulnerable populations of southern Africa to contend with both immediate disaster response and long-term societal impacts.

Original Source: www.voanews.com