Cyclone Chido: The Deadly Interplay of Climate Change, Migration, and Conflict

Cyclone Chido, a category 4 storm, caused significant destruction in Mayotte and Mozambique, leaving around 70% of Mayotte’s population affected. The cyclone’s intensity is attributed to rising ocean temperatures from climate change, alongside the exacerbating effects of conflict and migration in the region. Ongoing socio-economic vulnerabilities have intensified the impact, revealing the need for an integrated response to future cyclones by addressing the intertwining factors of climate change, conflict, and migration.

Cyclone Chido, classified as an intense tropical cyclone akin to a category 4 hurricane, made landfall on December 14 and caused extensive damage in Mayotte and Mozambique. It produced wind gusts nearing 155 mph and has been linked to rising ocean temperatures due to climate change, which has intensified storms in the region. Reports indicate that approximately 70% of Mayotte’s population has been impacted, with over 50,000 homes in Mozambique affected. The interplay of ongoing conflicts, undocumented migration, and socio-economic vulnerabilities have exacerbated the disaster’s toll, hindering effective evacuation and rescue efforts.

The complexities surrounding Cyclone Chido extend beyond natural phenomena, as socio-economic factors significantly amplify the storm’s destructive impact. Migrants on Mayotte, many fleeing conflict in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, face precarious living conditions as they constitute over half of the island’s population. Fears of deportation deter these undocumented residents from seeking help, leading to greater vulnerabilities during emergencies.

In Mozambique, the combination of ongoing conflict, including violence in Cabo Delgado, and severe weather events contribute to worsening humanitarian conditions. By June 2024, it was estimated that over half a million individuals remained without stable housing in the region, notably in displacement camps, following the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido.

Moreover, Chido’s early occurrence in the cyclone season hampered preparations and resource allocation, further complicating the delivery of aid. Climate change is expected to lead to stronger and more frequent storms in the Indian Ocean, posing an increasing threat to coastal communities. Studies indicate that recent ocean temperatures were significantly higher due to climate change, and wind speeds of the cyclone were also enhanced as a result of global warming.

Vulnerable communities, particularly those impacted by displacement and migration, continue to bear the brunt of climatic threats without sufficient consideration of these socio-economic dynamics. To build resilience against future cyclones, it is essential to address the intersecting influences of climate change, conflict, and migration. Otherwise, the risks posed by climate change will persistently affect the most vulnerable populations in society, resulting in devastating consequences during climate-related disasters.

The article discusses the recent impact of Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte and Mozambique, highlighting the intertwining effects of climate change, migration, and conflict on the severity of natural disasters in the region. The cyclone’s intensity, damage, and the socio-economic conditions facilitating its outcome are examined to understand the broader implications for communities facing such environmental challenges.

Cyclone Chido exemplifies the dire consequences of climate change, compounded by socio-economic factors such as conflict and migration. The intersectionality of these issues exacerbates the vulnerabilities of affected populations, particularly in regions undergoing crises. Therefore, building resilience against future climate-related disasters necessitates a comprehensive approach that integrates considerations of climate impacts with socio-economic dynamics.

Original Source: theconversation.com