Devastation Caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte Ahead of East Africa Impact

Cyclone Chido lashed Mayotte with winds exceeding 220 km/h, causing extensive damage without immediate casualties reported. A red alert remains for residents while emergency services mobilize. The cyclone may impact millions more in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe as southern Africa braces for flooding and humanitarian crises amid the cyclone season, exacerbated by climate change.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, as it continues its approach toward eastern Africa. The cyclone generated winds surpassing 220 kilometers per hour, leading to extensive damage, including the destruction of metal roofs across the islands where approximately 300,000 residents live. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties, although the storm’s impact has been devastating, with many losing their homes and livelihoods.

Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, described the event as the most destructive cyclone since 1934, stating, “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934. Many of us have lost everything.” Although the highest alert has been lifted to facilitate rescue operations, a red alert remains in effect for the general population, urging residents to remain sheltered as emergency services conduct relief efforts. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized the seriousness of the situation, confirming that extensive damage has occurred and that emergency services are fully mobilized to assist the affected residents.

Reports from local media indicate that thousands are currently without power, structures have been displaced, and numerous trees have succumbed to the cyclone’s force. Furthermore, additional personnel, including 110 rescuers and firefighters already dispatched from mainland France and Réunion, will arrive to support the recovery efforts. Concurrently, the nation of Comoros, situated north of Mayotte, is also experiencing the storm’s wrath. Authorities there have expressed concern for 11 fishermen missing since their departure earlier in the week. Ships have been ordered to remain anchored, and essential services, including schools and airports, have been temporarily suspended.

Cyclone Chido is forecasted to continue its path towards Mozambique in the coming days, potentially impacting millions, particularly in the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Preparedness efforts are already underway in Malawi and Zimbabwe, regions that are bracing for possible flooding and evacuations as the cyclone makes landfall.

The cyclone season in this region typically spans from December to March, and southern Africa has witnessed an alarming trend of increasingly severe cyclones due to climate change. Previous storms, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy in 2022, resulted in substantial loss of life and widespread humanitarian crises. The International community must address the underlying issues linked to climate change, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who contribute minimally to the global crisis but bear the brunt of its consequences.

The implications of Cyclone Chido exemplify the ongoing challenges faced by regions in southern Africa during cyclone season, which runs from December to March. The area has experienced multiple severe cyclones in recent years, resulting in extensive humanitarian crises. Studies indicate that increased cyclone severity is linked to climate change, posing significant risks such as flooding, landslides, and the potential for waterborne disease outbreaks following these natural disasters. Vulnerable countries, such as those in southern Africa, must grapple with these challenges despite contributing minimally to global climate change.

Cyclone Chido has had an alarming impact on Mayotte, marking it as the most destructive storm in nearly a century. With thousands of residents affected, it underscores the vulnerability of the region to climate-related challenges, necessitating immediate humanitarian efforts. The impending threat to Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe highlights the broader implications of climate change on increasingly severe weather patterns, necessitating proactive measures and international assistance for affected populations.

Original Source: www.voanews.com