Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Mayotte and Impacts Eastern Africa
Cyclone Chido has struck Mayotte, causing extensive damage as it approaches eastern Africa. Wind speeds have reached over 220 km/h, resulting in structural destruction. Mayotte Prefect reports significant loss, but no casualties are confirmed. Emergency services are responding. Chido is forecasted to affect Mozambique, with millions at risk. Countries like Malawi and Zimbabwe are preparing for flooding and other impacts. The cyclone season raises concerns over humanitarian crises exacerbated by climate change.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, as it moves towards the eastern coast of Africa. With wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, Chido has led to severe infrastructural damage, tearing metal roofs from homes in the area, which has a population of over 300,000. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties as of the latest updates.
Mayotte Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville remarked on the scale of the devastation, stating, “Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934. Many of us have lost everything.” Despite lifting the highest alert level to assist rescue efforts, residents are advised to remain in sturdy shelters. The Prefect emphasized that only emergency personnel would be permitted outside during the storm’s aftermath.
The French government has responded to the disaster by mobilizing emergency services on the ground, with 110 rescuers and firefighters deployed from France and Reunion, while an additional team of 140 is expected to arrive shortly. Reports indicate that thousands are without power, with numerous structures destroyed and trees uprooted, demonstrating the breadth of the cyclone’s impact.
Further north, the Comoros archipelago is also grappling with the consequences of Cyclone Chido, prompting authorities to issue high alerts in several areas. They are particularly concerned for a group of fishermen who have been unaccounted for since venturing out to sea prior to the storm. Comoros has enacted safety measures, including the closure of its main airport and schools, to prepare for worsening conditions.
Chido is forecasted to continue its trajectory towards Mozambique, with estimations indicating that approximately 2.5 million individuals in northern provinces may be affected. Similarly, neighboring countries Malawi and Zimbabwe are preparing for the cyclone’s aftermath, anticipating possible flooding and advising residents to seek higher ground.
The cyclone season in the southeastern Indian Ocean spans from December to March, with a recent history of catastrophic storms. Previous cyclones, like Idai and Freddy, resulted in significant loss of life and exacerbated public health issues through outbreaks of cholera, malaria, and dengue fever. Studies suggest that the increasing intensity of these cyclones is a consequence of climate change, disproportionately impacting impoverished nations in southern Africa, who are minimal contributors to the climate crisis.
Cyclones are severe weather phenomena that typically occur in tropical areas and can have devastating impacts on local populations and infrastructure. The cyclone season in the southeastern Indian Ocean runs from December through March each year, and in recent years, this region has experienced a concerning increase in the severity of cyclones, attributable to climate change. Countries in southern Africa are particularly vulnerable, often facing humanitarian crises as a result of these storms, despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The devastation wrought by Tropical Cyclone Chido in Mayotte serves as a poignant reminder of the increasing severity of cyclones amid growing concerns over climate change. As the storm continues toward Mozambique, preparedness measures in surrounding nations reflect the urgent need to protect the lives of millions potentially impacted by flooding and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. This pattern underlines the critical humanitarian challenges faced by vulnerable nations in the region, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and support in climate adaptation efforts.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
