Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused widespread destruction in the Southwest Indian Ocean, leading to at least 142 confirmed deaths and affecting over 622,000 people across several nations. The cyclone’s devastation has prompted urgent humanitarian responses, with a focus on immediate relief and long-term resilience planning for impacted communities.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as the first significant and damaging cyclone of the Southwest Indian Ocean during an anticipated early and active cyclone season. It reached its peak intensity on 11 December, achieving category 4 status with sustained winds of 220 km/h and gusts up to 250 km/h. As of 22 December, the disaster has resulted in at least 142 confirmed fatalities across several countries, with Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi being heavily impacted.
The cyclone made landfall near Madagascar, affecting approximately 135,838 individuals in the northern Diana Region. The severe weather caused extensive destruction, prompting local authorities and the Malagasy Red Cross to issue alerts and evacuate communities. Following the cyclone’s passage, the Comoros declared a weeklong mourning period, with 64,167 residents directly affected. Significant damage occurred to schools, homes, and agricultural production.
Mayotte faced immense challenges, with nearly 70 percent of its population, equating to around 230,000 individuals, suffering from the cyclone’s wrath. Approximately 35,000 residences were destroyed, impacting critical infrastructures such as the main hospital and airport, leading to a disruption of essential services. Furthermore, 100,000 people are currently residing in accommodation centres lacking adequate food, water, and hygiene conditions.
In Mozambique, the cyclone has adversely impacted an estimated 622,000 people. Cabo Delgado province reported that over 509,800 individuals have suffered significant damage to housing and infrastructure. Additionally, 130,000 shelters have been impacted, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. Malawi has reported nearly 45,000 individuals stranded due to the cyclone’s remnants, necessitating ongoing disaster management initiatives and humanitarian support.
Although these figures are preliminary, they emphasize the urgency of ongoing assessments to fully ascertain the cyclone’s impact on infrastructure and agricultural sectors. The National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are actively engaged in humanitarian efforts, including search and rescue operations and supporting affected families in reunification and relocation efforts. The extensive destructiveness of Cyclone Chido highlights the critical importance of preparedness and resilience against severe tropical storms. This Emergency Appeal focuses on resource provision for the IFRC network to facilitate immediate humanitarian assistance, ensuring that National Societies and communities are prepared for forthcoming challenges during the cyclone season.
Tropical cyclones pose significant threats to vulnerable regions, particularly in the Southwest Indian Ocean, where meteorological patterns predict seasons of intense storm activity. Cyclone Chido stands out due to its intense strength and widespread devastation, underscoring the increasing frequency of severe weather events attributed to climate change. Governments and humanitarian organizations are called upon to respond swiftly to such natural disasters to mitigate human suffering and restore essential services. Cyclone Chido specifically impacted several countries, with the need for effective disaster response mechanisms becoming increasingly critical as climate vulnerabilities heighten.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage across the Southwest Indian Ocean, leading to substantial loss of life and extensive infrastructural harm. With hundreds of thousands affected, the need for immediate humanitarian intervention and resources is paramount. This disaster serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in response to natural calamities. The ongoing efforts by the Red Cross and local governments will be vital in ensuring recovery and support for the most affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
