Tropical Cyclone Chido: Overview of Its Impact and Humanitarian Response

Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused extensive destruction in the Southwest Indian Ocean, resulting in over 142 confirmed deaths and affecting hundreds of thousands across Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi. Significant infrastructure damage, agricultural losses, and severe humanitarian needs have emerged, with active responses being undertaken by the Red Cross and other organizations. Enhanced preparedness and resilience are crucial for future storm seasons.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant and devastating force in the Southwest Indian Ocean, marking the beginning of a forecasted early cyclone season that poses a particular threat to regions such as the Mascarene Islands, east Madagascar, and Mozambique. On December 11, Chido escalated to an intense category 4 tropical cyclone, achieving sustained wind speeds of 220 km/h, and gusts reaching up to 250 km/h, alongside a formidable central pressure of 929 hPa.

The cyclone has resulted in considerable loss of life and widespread injuries, with reports indicating at least 142 confirmed deaths—94 in Mozambique, 35 in Mayotte, and 13 in Malawi—alongside over 3,300 injuries documented to date. Madagascar was the initial country to experience the cyclone’s wrath, with its path coming dangerously close to the Diana Region, affecting approximately 135,838 individuals. The deluge led to severe flooding, impacting crops and necessitating the evacuation of vulnerable populations through actions supported by the Malagasy Red Cross.

In Comoros, the government declared a week of mourning following Cyclone Chido’s passage on December 14, affecting 64,167 individuals across Anjouan and Moheli, including many families who lost their homes. Heavy damages to schools and housing occurred, and agricultural losses soared to an average of 45 percent.

Mayotte experienced extreme devastation, with around 70 percent of its population—approximately 230,000 people—affected. The cyclone obliterated about 35,000 homes and caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, including the main hospital and airport. Approximately 100,000 people have sought temporary shelter in accommodation centers lacking basic necessities such as water and food.

Mozambique faces severe repercussions as well, with roughly 622,000 individuals impacted. The Cabo Delgado region reported over 509,800 people facing substantial damage to homes and essential services, while Tete, Nampula, and Niassa provinces also suffered significant losses. Preliminary assessments indicate that over 130,000 shelters have been either damaged or completely destroyed, exacerbating vulnerabilities amongst the affected populations.

In Malawi, nearly 45,000 individuals remain stranded due to the cyclone’s ongoing effects, highlighting the urgency for continued disaster management and humanitarian assistance. Monitored evaluations are underway to gauge the full extent of the calamity inflicted on infrastructure and agriculture.

The National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are actively involved in on-the-ground humanitarian efforts, focusing on search and rescue operations, providing essential first aid, and facilitating family reunifications and relocations. The efforts underscore the growing necessity for preparedness and resilience amidst the increasing intensity of tropical storms. This Emergency Appeal seeks to mobilize resources for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to effectively deliver humanitarian aid and enhance the resilience and readiness of National Societies and volunteers for the cyclone season ahead.

The Southwest Indian Ocean region is prone to tropical cyclones, which can have devastating impacts on vulnerable communities, particularly during the cyclone season. The emergence of Tropical Cyclone Chido is a stark reminder of the increasing severity and prevalence of such storms, which are projected to rise with changing climatic conditions. Understanding the immediate consequences of these storms can guide future preparedness and humanitarian responses, as well as inform strategies to bolster community resilience in affected regions.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction across the Southwest Indian Ocean, leading to substantial loss of life and damage to infrastructure while displacing thousands. National and international response efforts are critical to providing immediate relief and support for recovery in the affected communities, highlighting the urgent need for resilience-building initiatives and thorough disaster management. This situation vividly illustrates the increasing challenges posed by severe weather events, necessitating concerted action to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int