Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Mozambique and Mayotte

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province on December 15 after causing extensive devastation in Mayotte. The cyclone brought severe winds and heavy rains, impacting an estimated 1.7 million people in Mozambique. Humanitarian efforts are urgently needed as organizations work to respond to the disaster’s aftermath.

Cyclone Chido, a destructive Category 4 storm, struck Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, making landfall in Pemba on December 15. The cyclone had previously devastated the French territory of Mayotte, causing extensive damage and loss of life. Reports from the Malawi Red Cross indicated that Chido was affecting southern Malawi as well, with heavy rains and severe winds posing significant threats. The International Organization for Migration estimated that approximately 1.7 million people were impacted in Mozambique. Humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF, have mobilized resources to address the immediate and long-term needs arising from this disaster.

Prior to its impact in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a territory located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel. Extreme winds exceeding 136 mph (220 km/h) resulted in widespread devastation, flattening entire neighborhoods and leaving hundreds feared dead. Officials in Mayotte have stated the actual casualty figures may be difficult to ascertain as the local Muslim customs mandate burials within 24 hours. Météo France confirmed that the intensity of Cyclone Chido represented a magnitude not witnessed in Mayotte in over nine decades, exacerbating the challenges faced by the recovery efforts.

Cyclone Chido highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical storms in the region, which have severe implications for vulnerable populations. Mayotte, being a small island territory, faces unique challenges in disaster response and recovery due to its geographical isolation and limited resources. The storm’s prior impact on Mayotte before landfall in Mozambique raises concerns about regional preparedness and the need for coordinated humanitarian response to mitigate the suffering of those affected.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has unleashed catastrophic effects across the Indian Ocean region, with significant impacts documented in both Mayotte and Mozambique. The humanitarian response is crucial as agencies mobilize to assess needs and provide support to the affected populations. Efforts will need to focus on both immediate recovery and long-term resilience to future storms, particularly as climate change continues to exacerbate such natural disasters.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in