Devastation Across Southeast Africa as Cyclone Chido Leaves Thousands Feared Dead

Cyclone Chido has devastated southeast Africa, particularly hitting Mayotte and Mozambique, potentially leaving thousands dead and many others displaced. Despite the uncertainty of damage assessment, local authorities fear the death toll could be extensive. Humanitarian aid is being provided as cholera poses additional risks. Meteorologists emphasize the cyclone’s connection to climate change, highlighting the vulnerability of affected regions.

Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across southeast Africa and the French island of Mayotte, resulting in possible thousands of fatalities and displacing many individuals. “Cyclone Chido underwent rapid intensification before landfall in Mauritius, weakened slightly, and then regained its Category 4-equivalent intensity before reaching Mayotte and continuing to Mozambique,” stated Alex Baker, a meteorologist from the University of Reading, U.K.

Local authorities in Mayotte have indicated that although the full scale of the disaster remains unclear, the death toll could potentially reach into the thousands. Recent hospital reports confirm at least 22 confirmed deaths and more than a thousand injuries, with numerous areas still unreachable. Some victims were reportedly buried without a proper count.

In response to the unfolding crisis, the French government has enacted a curfew in Mayotte and is dispatching planes laden with supplies, including food, water, and medical assistance. As noted by the Associated Press, around 50 tons of aid are being sent daily to assist those affected. Médecins du Monde has warned that cholera is already present on the island, with MDM director Jean-François Corty commenting, “It might turn into an epidemic if there is no way to ensure efficient access to water.”

In Mozambique, recent reports indicate that at least 34 lives have been lost due to the cyclone. In the neighboring Comoros Islands, a week of national mourning has commenced, with authorities predicting a death toll that could reach hundreds. According to a December 17 update from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Cyclone Chido has impacted over 174,000 individuals in Mozambique, 34,000 in Malawi, and 64,000 in the Comoros.

French meteorological service Météo-France has indicated that Cyclone Chido is the most powerful cyclone to hit Mayotte in over 90 years. Alex Baker attributed much of the extensive damage to “a lack of resilience and low-income communities” in the affected areas. Estimates suggest that while there were no recorded casualties in Mauritius, a significant number of structures suffered damage, as per a Bloomberg report.

The potential influence of climate change on Cyclone Chido is still under examination. However, meteorologist Helen Hooker noted, “Indian Ocean temperatures have been incredibly high this year, contributing to the strengthening of tropical Cyclone Chido into a Category 4 storm with wind speeds of more than 225 km/h (140 mph).” Additionally, Liz Stephens, another meteorologist from the University of Reading, remarked that “the intensity of tropical cyclones in the southwest Indian Ocean has been increasing, which is consistent with what scientists expect in a changing climate,” illustrating how vulnerable small islands are to these changes.

Cyclone Chido has caused devastating destruction across southeastern Africa and Mayotte, leading to significant loss of life and widespread displacement. The international community is mobilizing to provide aid amidst growing concerns over potential cholera outbreaks. As the cyclone’s intensity raises questions about climate change, experts indicate that small islands remain particularly susceptible to such severe weather events. Immediate action is essential to mitigate the ongoing humanitarian crisis and address the underlying vulnerabilities in these communities.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com