Tropical Cyclones and Humanitarian Response in the Southwestern Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Chido and subsequent storms in the Southwestern Indian Ocean caused significant destruction, impacting Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mayotte with high casualties and extensive damage. Immediate humanitarian efforts and preparedness strategies are crucial as the cyclone season continues into 2025, highlighting the need for resilience in affected communities.

The 2024/2025 Cyclone Season in the Southwestern Indian Ocean is characterized by early and significant rainfall, marked by Tropical Cyclone Chido, which made an immense impact. Intensifying to a Category 4 cyclone, it reached sustained winds of 220 km/h on December 11, causing substantial destruction, particularly in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mayotte. By December 30, the cyclone had resulted in at least 172 fatalities and over 6,300 injuries across the affected nations, particularly impacting more than 135,800 individuals in Madagascar.

In Madagascar, Cyclone Chido struck just north of the Diana Region, leading to extensive infrastructural damage and displacing numerous residents. Authorities, alongside the Malagasy Red Cross Society, have been proactive in issuing warnings and evacuating at-risk communities. Concurrently, the Comoros government declared a week of mourning for the cyclone’s victims, with 64,167 individuals affected and significant damage to infrastructure, including schools and homes.

Mayotte faced severe repercussions as well, with approximately 70 percent of its population impacted. The cyclone caused the destruction of nearly 35,000 homes and damaged critical infrastructure, stranding around 100,000 people in inadequate housing conditions. Assessments by the Displacement Tracking Matrix indicated that Mozambique’s provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa were heavily affected, impacting over 455,000 individuals.

Malawi also reported the effects of the cyclone, with nearly 46,000 people affected by high winds damaging homes. The ongoing rainy season exacerbates the situation and highlights the necessity for effective disaster management and humanitarian support in the region. Red Cross and Red Crescent societies continue essential operations, providing aid including search and rescue, first aid, and emergency shelter.

Additional cyclone impact was felt when Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Madagascar on January 11, disrupting education for over 8,000 children. Dikeledi subsequently hit Mozambique, particularly affecting areas previously impacted by Chido, causing further destruction and displacing thousands. Initial assessments estimated approximately 234,104 individuals affected by Dikeledi in Mozambique.

In late February, Tropical Storms Honde and Garance intensified, impacting southern Madagascar and La Réunion respectively, leading to significant flooding and damage. In Madagascar, over 2,800 individuals from 780 households were displaced due to floods, while Malawi reported approximately 180,801 individuals affected by flooding by early March.

In Mozambique, heavy rains raised concerns for flooding from the Licungo and Limpopo river basins. The Malawi Red Cross Society implemented Early Action Protocols for expected floods, demonstrating prompt disaster response actions in vulnerable communities. Enhanced preparedness and resilience against future storms are crucial as the cyclone season continues into April, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The operational strategy following the tropical cyclones underscores the vital need for effective emergency management in the Southwestern Indian Ocean. The substantial human toll and infrastructural damage from Cyclone Chido and subsequent storms emphasize the importance of readiness and resilience. The humanitarian response includes aiding affected individuals and enhancing community preparedness, ensuring robust support as the cyclone season progresses.

Original Source: reliefweb.int