Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Mozambique and Mayotte

Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, causing extensive damage after devastating Mayotte. With winds exceeding 200 km/h, the cyclone affected approximately 1.7 million people. Humanitarian agencies are mobilizing to address urgent needs and coordinate relief efforts in the wake of this disaster.

Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, struck Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, on December 15, following significant destruction in Mayotte, a French overseas department. The cyclone generated winds exceeding 200 km/h, leading to devastating consequences for an estimated 1.7 million individuals in Mozambique. Both the International Organization for Migration and UNICEF reported a rapid response effort in collaboration with the government to assess the immediate needs of affected populations. The Malawi Red Cross also noted the cyclone’s impact on southern Malawi, indicating threats of heavy rains and flash floods are expected across the region.

Cyclone Chido emerged as a formidable weather event over the Indian Ocean, notably affecting the coastal regions of Mozambique and Mayotte. Before making landfall in Mozambique, the cyclone caused extreme destruction in Mayotte, with reports indicating catastrophic damage to neighborhoods and significant loss of life. This cyclone marks a critical moment, as it represents one of the strongest storms to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, prompting urgent humanitarian responses across the impacted territories.

The landfall of Cyclone Chido has resulted in substantial humanitarian needs arising from its path of destruction, particularly highlighted in Mozambique and Mayotte. With wind speeds significantly impacting infrastructure and civilian safety, ongoing assessments and emergency responses are paramount. The collaborative efforts of international organizations and local authorities aim to alleviate the immediate suffering of affected populations while addressing long-term recovery needs. This event underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena related to climate change.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in