Cyclone Chido Causes Severe Destruction in Mozambique and Mayotte

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Mozambique, causing extensive damage after impacting Mayotte. With winds exceeding 200 km/h, an estimated 1.7 million people in Mozambique and hundreds feared dead in Mayotte require urgent humanitarian assistance. Relief efforts are underway as local and international organizations respond to the crisis.

Cyclone Chido, a powerful Category 4 storm, struck Pemba, the capital of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, on December 15, following its destructive path through Mayotte, the French overseas territory. The cyclone has generated significant disturbances, with wind speeds surpassing 200 km/h and severe rainfall resulting in widespread devastation. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that approximately 1.7 million individuals are affected by this catastrophic event. Emergency services and international organizations are actively assessing the situation and coordinating relief efforts in the region.

Before impacting Mozambique, Cyclone Chido caused considerable destruction in Mayotte, where entire neighborhoods were leveled, and fatalities are now estimated to be in the hundreds, with local officials fearing an even higher toll. According to Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville, determining the actual death count may be challenging due to the rapid burial customs followed by the predominantly Muslim population. Meteorological agencies have noted that such an intense cyclone has not been witnessed in Mayotte for over nine decades, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Chido’s impact.

Cyclone Chido has become a significant humanitarian concern following its landfall in Mozambique and prior devastation in Mayotte. This Category 4 storm has not only posed immediate threats through destructive winds and heavy rainfall but has also prompted a large-scale emergency response to assist millions affected. The cyclone’s unprecedented intensity poses challenges for recovery, especially given the vulnerable status of populations in the northern regions of Mozambique and the complications arising from the rapid burial practices in Mayotte due to the cultural customs.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has had devastating consequences for both Mozambique and Mayotte, leading to significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. With approximately 1.7 million individuals affected in Mozambique and potentially high death tolls in Mayotte, the situation requires immediate humanitarian assistance. Ongoing efforts from organizations like the IOM and UNICEF are critical in addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the impacted communities.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in