Tropical Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte and Threatens Eastern Africa

Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte with winds over 220 km/h, causing severe damage and prompting emergency responses. The storm is also impacting nearby Comoros and is expected to hit Mozambique, where millions could be affected. Authorities emphasize the need for emergency preparations amidst heightened concerns about increasing cyclone intensity due to climate change.

The French territory of Mayotte has experienced significant devastation due to Tropical Cyclone Chido, which registered winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour. Reports indicate that many homes suffered severe damage, with metal roofs torn off and small structures completely blown away. Mayotte Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville characterized the cyclone as the most violent storm to impact the region since 1934, stating that numerous residents have lost everything. Emergency services remain fully mobilized to assist affected individuals and communities as Mayotte endures a red alert for the general population, urging residents to seek refuge in sturdy shelters.

Authorities have confirmed thousands of outages, primarily affecting residential areas, and efforts to restore power are underway. The Comoros Islands, situated north of Mayotte, also face harsh impacts from Cyclone Chido, with concerns for fishermen who have disappeared at sea. National safety measures include directing all vessels to remain in port, closing schools, and halting operations at the main airports and government facilities.

Forecasts suggest that Cyclone Chido will continue its trajectory and make landfall in Mozambique later this weekend, where it threatens to affect as many as 2.5 million people in northern provinces. Neighboring countries such as Malawi and Zimbabwe are also preparing for potential floods and evacuations, as this cyclone season has already presented considerable challenges across southeastern Africa. The frequency and intensity of these cyclones have raised alarms among experts, who attribute their worsening conditions to climate change. Historical precedents indicate a severe toll from past cyclones, emphasizing the humanitarian crises emerging from such disasters.

The article discusses the impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which has severely affected Mayotte and surrounding regions. Cyclones are prevalent from December to March in the southeastern Indian Ocean, with Southern Africa experiencing a considerable increase in violent storms attributed to climate change. Cyclone Idai (2019) and Cyclone Freddy (2022) previously devastated populations in the region, demonstrating the ongoing and escalating challenges posed by these natural disasters.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted major damage on Mayotte, prompting widespread emergency responses and concerns for vulnerable populations in the region. As preparations and rescue efforts continue, the storm’s expected path toward Mozambique signals an imminent threat to millions. The increasing frequency and severity of cyclones in this region, driven by climate change, underline the urgent need for international support and disaster preparedness for the affected nations.

Original Source: www.voanews.com