Cyclone Chido: Devastation Claims Lives and Infrastructure in Mayotte and Mozambique

Cyclone Chido has killed at least 11 people in Mayotte and caused significant destruction as it moves toward northern Mozambique, where it threatens millions. The cyclone is reported to be the worst to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, with extensive damage to public infrastructure and the potential for further casualties in affected regions.

Cyclone Chido has inflicted devastating damage on the French island territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and significant destruction. Striking on Sunday, the cyclone is on track to impact roughly 2.5 million individuals in northern Mozambique, prompting concerns from aid agencies regarding further casualties and destruction. The French Interior Ministry acknowledges the difficulty in obtaining accurate casualty figures but has confirmed the fatalities, with reports indicating nine individuals in critical condition and numerous others injured.

As Cyclone Chido swept across the Indian Ocean, it battered nearby regions including Comoros and Madagascar, where authorities reported missing fishermen. Mayotte experienced extensive damage, with local officials labeling it the worst cyclone in 90 years. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed fears of a high death toll amid reports of extensive damage to public infrastructure, including hospitals and airports.

The cyclone’s winds exceeded 220 kph (136 mph), qualifying it as a category 4 cyclone, which is categorized as exceptionally severe. With a population of approximately 300,000, Mayotte suffers from poverty, and the destruction has left many neighborhoods in ruins. Residents shared stark images of destruction, reflecting the widespread devastation. Efforts are underway, with French authorities mobilizing resources from the mainland and the nearby Reunion territory to aid recovery efforts, including establishing an air and sea link to facilitate the delivery of aid.

On the eastern coast of Africa, Cyclone Chido has now reached northern Mozambique, affecting properties and infrastructure in Cabo Delgado province, a region housing around 2 million individuals. UNICEF reports that many essential services, such as schools and healthcare facilities, have been severely compromised. Concerns of flooding and potential evacuations in neighboring Malawi and Zimbabwe have also been raised.

Cyclone season in this region typically spans from December to March, with recent years witnessing an increase in destructive cyclones driven by climate change. The region continues to grapple with the aftermath of previous cyclones that have caused significant loss of life and property damage. The ongoing humanitarian crisis emphasizes the necessity for assistance from wealthier nations to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly as vulnerable communities face increasing risks from such disasters.

Cyclone Chido represents a serious weather system that has affected several regions in the Indian Ocean and southern Africa, notably targeting the impoverished French territory of Mayotte. Cyclones in this region have become progressively severe in recent years, exacerbated by climate change, leading to increased humanitarian crises. The intensity and frequency of such natural disasters are alarming, as they often disproportionately impact poorer nations that lack the resources to withstand and recover from such events, thus underscoring the urgent need for international support in disaster response and climate adaptation strategies.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has caused unprecedented destruction in Mayotte, resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive property damage. The cyclone, now impacting Mozambique, has heightened concerns over future flooding and potential evacuations in neighboring countries. The ongoing humanitarian challenges reflect a critical need for global cooperation in addressing the impacts of climate change and supporting affected communities in their recovery efforts.

Original Source: time.com