Tropical Cyclone Chido: A Humanitarian Crisis in the Southwest Indian Ocean
Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant humanitarian crisis in the Southwest Indian Ocean region, leading to at least 142 deaths and over 3,300 injuries. With profound impacts felt in Madagascar, Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, the cyclone has damaged infrastructure and displaced thousands, necessitating ongoing emergency relief and recovery efforts. The IFRC has issued an Emergency Appeal to provide humanitarian assistance during this growing crisis.
Tropical Cyclone Chido, which formed in December 2023, has been characterized as the first major cyclone to significantly impact the Southwest Indian Ocean region this season. Cyclone Chido achieved category 4 status, with lasting winds of 220 km/h and gusts reaching up to 250 km/h. The cyclone has caused at least 142 fatalities, with Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi reporting the highest casualties. Over 3,300 individuals are also reported injured due to the cyclone, necessitating immediate humanitarian intervention across all affected regions.
Madagascar was among the first nations affected, especially in the northwest, where approximately 135,838 individuals faced severe disruptions. The cyclone’s powerful winds and heavy rainfall led to widespread infrastructure damage and agricultural losses, prompting authorities to evacuate at-risk communities. The Comoros Islands declared a week of mourning as Cyclone Chido impacted about 64,167 people, leaving many homeless amid significant losses to crops and property.
In Mayotte, where approximately 70 percent of the population has been severely affected, an estimated 35,000 homes were destroyed, and critical services such as hospitals and airports sustained damage. Around 100,000 residents have been displaced and are being temporarily housed in inadequate conditions. Mozambique reported approximately 622,000 individuals impacted with major disruptions in Cabo Delgado and surrounding provinces due to shelter and infrastructure damage. Additionally, near 45,000 people in Malawi remain stranded due to the cyclone’s remnants, underlining the urgent need for continued disaster management efforts.
As assessments continue to evaluate the cyclone’s damage, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) underscores the necessity for preparedness amidst the rising frequency of severe tropical storms. The Emergency Appeal aims to mobilize resources for humanitarian assistance and enhance the operational readiness of the National Societies and volunteers throughout the cyclone season.
The Southwest Indian Ocean cyclone season of 2023 was anticipated to be unusually active, prompting concerns regarding potential threats to vulnerable regions like the Mascarene Islands and eastern Madagascar. Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in December and rapidly intensified, causing unprecedented devastation across multiple countries. With ongoing humanitarian efforts to address the aftermath, understanding Chido’s impact is critical for enhancing disaster response and community resilience in future seasons.
The destruction wrought by Tropical Cyclone Chido highlights an alarming trend in the increasing intensity of cyclones affecting vulnerable regions in the Indian Ocean. The emergency situation necessitates immediate humanitarian support and emphasizes the need for long-term strategies to bolster community resilience and preparedness for future cyclone seasons. Continuous support for the affected populations remains imperative as nations work to rehabilitate their infrastructure and restore livelihoods.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
