Cyclone Chido Causes Extensive Damage in Mozambique and Mayotte

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Mozambique after devastating Mayotte, leading to significant destruction and affecting approximately 1.7 million people. Emergency responses are being coordinated by multiple organizations amidst grave concerns for the vulnerable local populations, while casualty assessments remain complex following the storm’s severe impact.

Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Mozambique’s Pemba on December 15 after causing extensive damage in Mayotte, a French overseas territory. The Malawi Red Cross reported the cyclone was identified over northern Mozambique, with warnings of heavy rains and destructive winds extending its impact into southern Malawi. Emergency responses are underway as organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) report that approximately 1.7 million individuals have been affected across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces.

Prior to its arrival in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido had already devastated Mayotte. Entire neighborhoods were obliterated, with extreme winds exceeding 136 mph contributing to widespread destruction. The Prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, estimated hundreds, possibly thousands, of fatalities, although accurate casualty assessments remain challenging, especially given cultural practices surrounding burials.

Meteo France confirmed that wind gusts reported in Mayotte faced unprecedented intensity, stating, “This is a cyclone of a magnitude not seen for Mayotte in more than 90 years.” UNICEF also expressed grave concerns regarding the long-term repercussions of the cyclone on the vulnerable populations in Mozambique, emphasizing the ongoing coordination efforts to address immediate needs.

Cyclone Chido emerged as a significant weather event within the Indian Ocean, gaining strength and affecting multiple regions including Mayotte and Mozambique. Cyclones of this magnitude and intensity pose severe threats to life and infrastructure, particularly in areas with limited preparedness. The disaster response mechanisms are crucial for recovery, and the involvement of various humanitarian organizations exemplifies the necessity for coordinated efforts in disaster-stricken zones. Understanding regional vulnerabilities, particularly environmental and socio-economic issues, aids in grasping the potential impacts of such cyclones.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has resulted in catastrophic damages both in Mayotte and Mozambique, affecting millions and emphasizing the need for robust disaster response frameworks. The extensive winds and heavy rain have left entire communities in jeopardy. Efforts by organizations like IOM and UNICEF are crucial in managing the aftermath and ensuring aid is efficiently distributed, while ongoing assessments highlight the challenge of accurately determining casualties in regions heavily impacted by the cyclone.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in