Cyclone Chido Causes Severe Damage in Mayotte and Threatens Eastern Africa
Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, producing winds over 220 km/h and significant damage, particularly affecting housing and power supply. With no immediate casualties reported, officials are calling for residents to seek shelter as rescue efforts commence. The cyclone is expected to proceed toward Mozambique, threatening millions, while local authorities respond to the emerging humanitarian impact.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, as it approaches the eastern coast of Africa. This cyclone, reported to have wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, has left widespread damage across the islands that collectively house over 300,000 residents. Reports indicate that while no casualties have been identified immediately, many residents are suffering substantial losses.
Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, stated on social media, “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934. Many of us have lost everything.” Following the cyclone’s impact, he mentioned that the highest alert had been deactivated to facilitate rescue operations. Meanwhile, residents have been instructed to shelter securely, as the territory remains under red alert for safety.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has responded to the crisis, noting the severity of the situation: “The damages already appear to be extensive”. According to local news sources, thousands of homes have lost power, several structures have been displaced, and numerous trees have fallen as a direct result of Chido. To assist in recovery efforts, 110 rescue personnel from France and Reunion Island have been deployed, with another 140 expected to arrive soon.
The cyclone has also affected nearby Comoros, which is experiencing its own emergency due to the storm’s intensity. Authorities in Comoros issued a red alert and expressed concern for 11 fishermen who are currently missing. All ships have been ordered to remain docked in harbors, and all educational institutions and government facilities have been temporarily closed.
Forecasts predict that Cyclone Chido will continue its path toward Mozambique, potentially impacting 2.5 million individuals in northern provinces such as Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Preemptively, the governments of Malawi and Zimbabwe are preparing for possible evacuations, anticipating severe flooding and related hazards as the cyclone progresses.
Cyclone season in the southeastern Indian Ocean typically spans from December to March, yet the region has faced an increased frequency of severe cyclones in recent years, with devastating storms like Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy in 2022 leading to significant fatalities. The ongoing threat from these storms is compounded by chaotic conditions that may foster waterborne diseases amongst affected populations, driven largely by climate change, which is intensifying the cyclonic phenomena, predominately affecting poorer nations that contribute minimally to global greenhouse emissions.
Cyclone Chido represents the latest in a series of tropical storms that have significantly impacted southern Africa, particularly targeting island nations such as Mayotte and Comoros. The region is experiencing a cyclone season marked by heightened activity and severity, attributed in part to climate change. These extreme weather events pose not only immediate physical dangers but also long-term public health risks due to potential outbreaks of diseases like cholera, malaria, and dengue fever, which are exacerbated by flooding and stagnant water conditions following cyclones. The vulnerability of nations in this area highlights profound humanitarian challenges tied to climate factors beyond their control.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, delivering powerful winds and widespread destruction. Local authorities, backed by French support, are working tirelessly to mitigate the cyclone’s effects and assist affected residents while preparing for further impacts in neighboring regions. As climate change continues to amplify the frequency and intensity of such storms, it raises serious concerns about humanitarian preparedness and public health in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
