Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Mayotte and Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte and Mozambique, causing 14 fatalities. With winds reaching 124 mph, Chido severely damaged infrastructure. Local and French authorities are engaged in recovery efforts, focusing on essential services for affected populations.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in southeastern Africa, claiming the lives of 14 individuals in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, before making landfall in Mozambique. With sustained winds of 124 mph in Mayotte and 115 mph upon reaching Mozambique, Chido’s strength is comparable to a Category storm as classified by the Atlantic scale. The storm led to widespread destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities, prompting UNICEF to coordinate with local governments to ensure essential services continue despite the destruction.

Chido initially formed in the Southwest Indian Ocean on Tuesday, making it the third named storm of the cyclone season. The cyclone impacted the northern province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique, near the city of Pemba. Mayotte, a territory home to approximately 320,000 residents across two islands, faced acute destruction as a significant number of inhabitants live in makeshift shelter. Reports indicate tens of thousands have lost their homes.

In the aftermath of the cyclone, the French government dispatched emergency supplies and workers via military aircraft, while French President Emmanuel Macron assured citizens of Mayotte, stating, “I am closely following the situation in Mayotte. Mahorais, the whole country is at your side.” Like Mayotte, Mozambique has begun to see a gradual clearing of skies, though authorities remain vigilant about the damage inflicted. The storm is projected to weaken considerably as it continues moving southwest.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has emerged as a severe weather event affecting the Indian Ocean region, particularly impacting Mayotte and Mozambique. Formed in the southwest Indian Ocean, Cyclone Chido marks the third notable storm of the current cyclone season. Cyclones in this region can bring about catastrophic weather patterns, resulting in high winds, significant infrastructure damage, and loss of life. Mayotte is known for its vulnerability to severe storms, given the nature of its housing and population density. Mozambique, with a historical context of colonial rule until 1975, faces ongoing challenges concerning disaster preparedness and recovery in the wake of natural disasters.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in both Mayotte and Mozambique, resulting in tragic loss of life and destruction of infrastructure. The swift response from governments and organizations underscores the urgency of relief efforts in the face of such natural disasters. As the cyclone weakens, the focus remains on recovery and restoring basic services to the affected populations.

Original Source: www.upi.com