Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction in Mayotte, France, with casualties expected as the storm approaches Africa’s east coast. Widespread damage to infrastructure is reported, prompting emergency responses. The cyclone is also affecting neighboring regions, with potential threats to millions in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, highlighting the increasing frequency of severe storms in the context of climate change.
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, resulting in multiple fatalities and severe property damage, as authorities reported on Saturday. The storm, packing winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph), is now on a trajectory towards the east coast of Africa. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau acknowledged that preliminary reports indicated several lives lost, although he refrained from releasing specific numbers due to ongoing rescue operations and assessments of the situation.
The cyclone left Mayotte’s infrastructure, including public facilities like the prefecture, hospital, and airport, severely damaged. Prime Minister François Bayrou remarked on the extensive destruction and the threats faced by residents living in vulnerable structures. “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934,” stated Mayotte prefect François-Xavier Bieuville, indicating the dire circumstance confronting many residents.
To assist in recovery efforts, 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers have been dispatched to the island, alongside additional rescuers and firefighters from France and its nearby territories. Mayotte remains under a red alert, with residents advised to seek refuge in secure shelters. Reports indicated widespread power outages and significant damage across the territory.
As Chido moves towards the Comoros islands and the mainland of Mozambique, concerns grow for the safety of 11 fishermen who went missing. In response to the unfolding crisis, the government of Comoros has issued high alerts, and local authorities have mandated the closure of airports and schools to facilitate storm preparedness. Cyclone Chido is anticipated to impact up to 2.5 million people in northern Mozambique, raising alarms for potential flooding and waterborne disease outbreaks in the wake of the storm.
Cyclone Chido forms part of the cyclone season in the southeastern Indian Ocean, which extends from December to March. This seasonal occurrence has been particularly impactful in recent years, with historical precedents such as Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy in 2022, both of which resulted in substantial loss of life across several southern African nations. The frequency and intensity of these cyclones have been linked to climate change, raising significant humanitarian concerns in impoverished regions that contribute minimally to global climate issues. The effects of such storms extend beyond immediate devastation, often leading to flooding, landslides, and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and malaria in affected populations.
The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte highlights the increasing vulnerability of regions prone to severe weather events, particularly as climate change exacerbates the severity of such storms. The aftermath presents significant challenges, including the potential for widespread humanitarian crises, as seen in previous cyclonic events across southern Africa. Immediate recovery efforts necessitate a coordinated response to assist affected communities and mitigate future risks.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
