Tropical Cyclone Chido has led to extensive devastation in the Southwest Indian Ocean, claiming over 140 lives and affecting thousands across Madagascar, Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi. The cyclone, classified as a category 4 storm, caused significant infrastructural damage and highlighted the need for disaster preparedness and community resilience in the face of climate-induced challenges.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe destruction in the Southwest Indian Ocean region, marking it as the first major cyclone of the season with significant consequences. intensifying to a category 4 cyclone on December 11, Chido reached sustained wind speeds of 220 km/h and gusts up to 250 km/h, resulting in catastrophic damages across multiple countries. By December 22, the cyclone had claimed at least 142 lives, predominantly in Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, alongside reported injuries exceeding 3,300.
Madagascar was among the earliest affected regions, with Cyclone Chido making landfall approximately 100 km from its northern coast, affecting an estimated 135,838 individuals. The cyclone caused extensive infrastructural damage and forced the evacuation of residents, exacerbated by consequential flooding and crop destruction. The Malagasy Red Cross actively engaged in issuing danger warnings and facilitating preventive measures to safeguard at-risk populations.
In the Comoros, the government declared a mourning period after Cyclone Chido impacted 64,167 residents, including 171 families who lost their homes. Severe infrastructural damage occurred, with about 45 percent of agricultural crops being destroyed. Similarly, in Mayotte, around 230,000 individuals were profoundly affected, with significant destruction reported, including approximately 35,000 devastated homes and damage to essential services. Currently, about 100,000 evacuees are temporarily sheltered in centers lacking adequate resources.
Mozambique has reported approximately 622,000 affected individuals, with Cabo Delgado alone seeing severe shelter damage and infrastructure collapse. Over 130,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, intensifying existing vulnerabilities in the region. Meanwhile, in Malawi, nearly 45,000 individuals have been stranded as a result of the cyclone’s remnants, emphasizing the need for ongoing humanitarian aid and disaster management efforts.
The disaster response is still in its nascent stages, with ongoing assessments to evaluate the overall damage. The National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are currently on the ground, engaging in search and rescue missions, first aid provision, family reunifications, and relocations. These circumstances reveal a pressing need for increased preparedness and resilience against future tropical storms. This Emergency Appeal aims to furnish vital resources to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) network to facilitate continued humanitarian efforts and bolster community resilience amid the cyclone season.
Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged as an intense storm in early December 2023, signifying the commencement of a cyclone season that was anticipated to be more severe than average. This cyclone impacted various regions, particularly the Mascarene Islands, Madagascar, Mozambique, and the Comoros, inflicting extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. The severe meteorological event highlighted the vulnerabilities of these regions, necessitating humanitarian response and emergency preparation to mitigate future risks.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has demonstrated the devastating impact of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread infrastructural damage. The ongoing humanitarian response reflects the critical role of disaster preparedness and community resilience in mitigating such tragedies. As assessments continue, the support from international organizations is vital in addressing immediate needs and reinforcing frameworks for future cyclone seasons.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
