Impact of Cyclone Chido: Devastation in Agalega and Mayotte
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the Agalega Islands on December 11, 2024, as a Category-4 equivalent cyclone, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and leading to many residents seeking shelter. Following its impact, the cyclone continued to Mayotte, resulting in further destruction and significant humanitarian challenges, including homelessness and shortages of vital supplies.
On December 11, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall on the Agalega Islands in the Indian Ocean as a powerful Category-4 equivalent cyclone, registering winds at 222 km/h (138 mph). This marked the most severe cyclone to impact the islands since 1983. Reports indicate extensive damage to infrastructure, including homes and schools, with residents of the North Island seeking refuge at the local airport due to the destruction and loss of communication.
The cyclone generated wind gusts and storm surges reaching 8 meters (26 feet), inflicting significant harm to the islands’ housing and educational facilities. Following the cyclone, Mauritian authorities announced that a Coast Guard aircraft was dispatched to deliver aid, strengthened by the expectation of an Indian cargo plane joining the relief operations.
After striking the Agalega Islands, Cyclone Chido continued towards the north of Madagascar and struck Mayotte on December 14, leading to catastrophic conditions marked by torrential rains and destructive winds of 220 km/h (136 mph). The consequences were devastating, with widespread infrastructural damage reported, including the destruction of hospitals and the island’s airport, alongside power and communication failures that left numerous residents isolated.
As a result, initial assessments indicated that approximately one-third of Mayotte’s 320,000 inhabitants had become homeless, and there were pressing shortages of clean drinking water and medical supplies, complicating recovery operations. Emergency teams were deployed, yet access remained problematic due to flooding and obstructed roadways. By December 16, officials from Mayotte expressed grave concerns regarding a rising death toll, with hundreds to thousands of individuals reported missing, highlighting the urgent need for further assessments of the disaster’s full impact.
Cyclone Chido’s landfall on Agalega marked a notable meteorological event, occurring as a Category-4 hurricane, the strongest to affect the islands in over 40 years. The aftermath underscores the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather phenomena, particularly given the cyclone’s sustained high winds and significant storm surge. Relief efforts are further complicated by accessibility issues and the extensive damage to essential services, raising questions about disaster preparedness and response in the region.
In conclusion, the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido on Agalega and Mayotte has been profound, resulting in significant infrastructural damage, widespread homelessness, and disruptions in essential services. Current recovery efforts are hampered by accessibility issues and the scale of destruction, prompting concerns over potential casualties and unmet basic needs. Continued assessment and support are critical to addressing the needs of affected residents and ensuring their safety and recovery.
Original Source: watchers.news
