Cyclone Chido Causes Widespread Damage in Mayotte, Threatens Mozambique

Cyclone Chido has caused substantial damage in Mayotte, with wind speeds surpassing 220 km/h. Officials report no casualties but extensive property damage. The cyclone is expected to move towards Mozambique, endangering millions. The region is preparing for adverse effects, including flooding and disease outbreaks due to the storm’s aftermath.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage on the French territory of Mayotte, situated in the Indian Ocean, as it progresses towards eastern Africa. Wind speeds exceeded 220 kilometers per hour, resulting in the destruction of metal roofs on residential structures in this area, which houses a population of over 300,000 people across two primary islands. Thus far, officials have not reported any casualties. Mayotte Prefect, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, described it as the most violent cyclone to impact the island since 1934, acknowledging the significant loss experienced by many residents.

While the highest alert level for the cyclone has been lifted to facilitate rescue operations, Mayotte remains under a red alert for the general public. Residents are advised to stay indoors and seek shelter in solid structures. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed that local and state emergency services are fully operational to address the extensive destruction. Thousands of homes are without electricity, and many structures have been demolished, underscoring the cyclone’s force.

The neighboring nation of Comoros also faces the wrath of Cyclone Chido, with authorities implementing a highest red alert in certain regions. The welfare of eleven fishermen who have not returned from sea is a significant concern. In response to the cyclone’s approach, authorities in Comoros have prohibited all maritime activities and closed the main airport and government offices, while schools were temporarily shuttered earlier to ensure community preparedness.

Chido is anticipated to maintain its trajectory towards Mozambique, expected to make landfall late Saturday or early Sunday, potentially affecting approximately 2.5 million people in the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. In anticipation of adverse weather, emergency management offices in Malawi and Zimbabwe are encouraging residents to prepare for possible evacuations and flooding. The cyclone season in the southeastern Indian Ocean extends from December to March, and historical data illustrates a pattern of increasingly severe cyclones exacerbated by climate change, contributing to humanitarian crises in vulnerable nations in southern Africa.

Tropical cyclones pose a significant threat to coastal regions, particularly in southeastern Africa, where the cyclone season typically spans from December to March. Countries in this region have historically experienced devastating impacts from such storms, with recent years showcasing an alarming increase in their frequency and intensity, attributed largely to climate change. Cyclones not only wreak havoc through high winds and flooding but also create conditions conducive to the proliferation of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and malaria, creating ongoing public health challenges after the storms have passed.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido’s catastrophic impact on Mayotte and its impending approach towards Mozambique highlight the continued vulnerability of coastal regions to severe weather phenomena, exacerbated by climate change. The destruction experienced, along with prompt responses from local and national authorities, illustrates the urgent need for preparedness and robust disaster management strategies in the face of increasingly severe storm events across southern Africa.

Original Source: www.voanews.com