Cyclone Chido Strikes Mozambique and Mayotte, Leaving a Trail of Destruction

Cyclone Chido, a powerful Category 4 storm, struck Mozambique on December 15 after devastating Mayotte. The cyclone brought destructive winds and heavy rain, impacting an estimated 1.7 million people. There are concerns of high casualties, particularly in Mayotte, where the storm caused entire neighborhoods to collapse. Humanitarian efforts are underway to assess damages and provide support.

Cyclone Chido, categorized as a significant Category 4 storm, made landfall on December 15, directly impacting Pemba, the capital of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, following its destructive passage through the French territory of Mayotte. Reports indicate that the cyclone prompted heavy rainfall, severe winds exceeding 200 km/h, and flash floods, putting immense pressure on local communities and humanitarian agencies. The International Organization for Migration estimates that approximately 1.7 million individuals in Mozambique have been affected, with teams already deployed to assess the situation and initiate relief efforts. The storm’s trajectory extended beyond Mozambique, affecting parts of Southern Malawi as well.

Prior to its landfall in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked substantial damage across the island of Mayotte, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. Eyewitness accounts from social media and local authorities describe neighborhoods in ruins, with potentially hundreds or thousands of casualties. The Prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, highlighted the overwhelming impact on the archipelago, suggesting that an accurate death toll may take time to ascertain due to local burial customs. Official reports from Meteo France warned that the cyclone’s strength was unprecedented for the region in nearly a century, with gusts reaching levels not observed in more than 90 years.

As emergency services mobilize in response to the cyclone’s devastation, it is vital for humanitarian organizations to provide immediate assistance in the affected regions, addressing both the urgent needs of survivors and the long-term implications of this disaster on vulnerable communities in Mozambique and Mayotte.

Cyclone Chido is a Category 4 storm that has caused significant destruction in the Indian Ocean region, particularly affecting the areas of Mozambique and Mayotte. As the cyclone intensified, weather reports indicated its severe impacts, leading to heavy rainfall and wind gusts exceeding 200 km/h. Such weather phenomena are notable for their ability to disrupt life, infrastructure, and health services, especially in regions where populations are already vulnerable. The unprecedented intensity of this cyclone has raised alarms among various humanitarian organizations working on-the-ground to aid affected communities.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Mozambique and Mayotte, leaving destruction in its wake and displacing millions. As reports of casualties and extensive damage emerge, the international community and humanitarian aid organizations are mobilizing efforts to provide assistance. The ongoing assessment and response efforts are critical to mitigating the immediate effects of the cyclone and support long-term recovery for affected populations.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in