Cyclone Chido’s Impact on Agalega and Surrounding Islands Revealed
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Agalega on December 11, 2024, as a Category-4 equivalent cyclone, causing severe damage to infrastructure and homes. Relief efforts are in progress, with both Mauritian and Indian authorities assisting residents affected by this powerful storm, which has also impacted Madagascar and Mayotte, leading to widespread destruction and evacuation efforts.
On December 11, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the island of Agalega, situated in the Indian Ocean, with wind speeds reaching 222 km/h (138 mph), classifying it as a Category-4 equivalent cyclone. This event marks the most powerful cyclone to impact the area since 1983, causing extensive infrastructure damage on both the North and South islands. Residents on the North Island sought refuge at the local airport as their homes and schools sustained significant destruction from winds and storm surges that reached up to 8 meters (26 feet).
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has triggered a coordinated response from both Mauritian and Indian authorities. The Mauritian minister, Shakeel Mohamed, confirmed that a Mauritian Coast Guard aircraft was dispatched to aid the affected population, and an Indian cargo plane is set to join the relief missions. Reports indicated a complete loss of communication with the island, exacerbating the challenges of clean-up and recovery efforts. Following its assault on Agalega, Chido continued to impact Madagascar and Mayotte, causing severe widespread destruction and leaving thousands displaced and isolated due to disrupted services.
On Mayotte, which faced its own struggles after Chido made landfall there on December 14, the situation has deteriorated further, with initial estimates suggesting that at least one-third of the island’s 320,000 inhabitants have become homeless. Critical infrastructure was obliterated, with leveled homes and uprooted trees complicating recovery efforts. Authorities have deployed emergency services, but access remains hindered due to flooded roadways,
On December 16, officials from Mayotte expressed concerns regarding the growing death toll, indicating that hundreds or even thousands remain unaccounted for following Cyclone Chido’s devastation. The current priority is to assess the full scope of the disaster while also addressing severe shortages of drinking water and medical supplies, which continue to pose risks to the health and safety of the survivors.
Tropical cyclones are severe weather phenomena characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, which can lead to catastrophic impacts on communities and infrastructure. Cyclone Chido, earlier recorded as a Category-4 cyclone, has notably affected Agalega—a small island with a low population—demonstrating the vulnerabilities of isolated regions to extreme weather events. The cyclone’s impacts were felt beyond Agalega as it traversed towards Madagascar and Mayotte, revealing the cascading effects of such disasters on multiple territories and highlighting the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies.
The direct hit of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Agalega has inflicted devastating damage on the islands, leading to the destruction of homes, schools, and critical infrastructure while isolating residents. The situation is dire as response efforts are underway but hampered by communication breakdowns and infrastructure challenges. As Chido moved onwards to Madagascar and Mayotte, the extent of the damage becomes increasingly apparent, with significant humanitarian needs arising from the aftermath. The ongoing assessment by authorities is crucial in determining the full impact of the cyclone and in mobilizing appropriate assistance for the affected populations.
Original Source: watchers.news
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