Assessment of Tropical Cyclone Chido’s Impact in the Southwest Indian Ocean
Tropical Cyclone Chido, impacting the Southwest Indian Ocean, has caused at least 142 deaths and injured over 3,300 people. Striking Madagascar first, the cyclone displaced thousands and led to significant agricultural damage. Its aftermath has left many in Mayotte and Mozambique similarly affected, highlighting the pressing need for humanitarian relief and disaster management as assessments continue on the extensive damage caused.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has made a significant impact in the Southwest Indian Ocean, marking the onset of an early and above-average cyclone season in regions including the Mascarene Islands, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Intensifying to a category 4 cyclone by December 11, Chido recorded sustained winds of up to 220 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h. As of December 22, this catastrophic event has claimed at least 142 lives and left over 3,300 individuals injured. The cyclone primarily struck Madagascar, affecting approximately 135,838 people as it caused extensive infrastructure damage and triggered flooding in many districts. Chido’s aftermath forced authorities to issue warnings and evacuate communities at risk.
In the Comoros, the government declared a week of mourning for the 64,167 affected residents, including 171 families rendered homeless. The cyclone’s devastation led to severe agricultural losses, damaging about 45 percent of crops. The situation in Mayotte was dire, with around 230,000 individuals facing significant impact, including the destruction of 35,000 houses and disruption of essential services. Furthermore, close to 100,000 people find themselves in temporary accommodations under challenging conditions.
Mozambique reports approximately 622,000 affected individuals, with severe damage concentrated in Cabo Delgado, where over 509,800 residents experienced infrastructure destruction and livelihood loss. The cyclone also left nearly 45,000 people stranded in Malawi, underscoring the urgent need for continued disaster response and humanitarian assistance in the face of cyclone Chido’s lingering effects. Current assessments are underway to fully gauge the extent of the destruction across affected areas.
In response to the immediate aftermath, the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, providing medical help, and facilitating family reunifications and relocations. The ongoing relief efforts emphasize the necessity of preparedness and resilience against increasingly severe tropical cyclones. The Emergency Appeal aims to equip the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) with necessary resources to enhance humanitarian assistance operations and strengthen community resilience throughout the cyclone season.
The Southwest Indian Ocean is vulnerable to powerful cyclones due to its geographical location, particularly during the cyclone season which can bring intense storms. Tropical Cyclone Chido represents a significant event in this context, as it was both the first and one of the most destructive cyclones of the season, affecting multiple countries with severe impacts. Consequently, the mission of humanitarian agencies, particularly the Red Cross and Red Crescent, becomes crucial in mitigating the aftermath of such disasters while enhancing community preparedness for future events.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in substantial loss of life and widespread destruction across multiple countries in the Southwest Indian Ocean. The cyclone’s far-reaching effects necessitate prompt humanitarian action and ongoing assessments to address the urgent needs of affected populations. The situation emphasizes the crucial role of preparedness and resilience-building for communities vulnerable to tropical storms, reinforcing the importance of international humanitarian cooperation in disaster recovery efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
