Tropical Cyclone Chido Causes Extensive Damage in Mayotte as It Approaches Africa
Cyclone Chido has significantly damaged Mayotte, causing roof destruction and power outages. The storm, with winds exceeding 220 km/h, has prompted a high alert for recovery efforts. Nearby Comoros is also affected, and Mozambique braces for impact, facing potential humanitarian crises due to flooding and disease outbreaks post-cyclone.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in Mayotte, a French territory situated in the Indian Ocean, causing widespread destruction as it advances towards the eastern coast of Africa. With wind speeds surpassing 220 kilometers per hour, the cyclone has damaged numerous structures, including roofs being ripped off homes in the densely populated Mayotte, which encompasses over 300,000 residents. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of fatalities.
François-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, described the cyclone as the most severe to impact the island since 1934, stating, “Many of us have lost everything.” Emergency protocols were enacted, with the highest alert being temporarily lifted to facilitate rescue operations following the storm. However, for general safety, the population remains under a red alert, advised to stay sheltered in secure locations, while only emergency services are permitted to operate outdoors.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed the extensive damage inflicted by the cyclone, stating, “The damages already appear to be extensive.” Local reports indicated widespread power outages, uprooted trees, and the destruction of various structures. In response to the crisis, 110 emergency personnel and firefighters were deployed from mainland France and the nearby territory of Reunion, with an additional 140 responders anticipated to join the efforts shortly.
As the cyclone continues to threaten neighboring regions, the Comoros islands, located north of Mayotte, are also reeling from the impact of Chido. Authorities have issued the highest red alert levels, particularly concerned for 11 fishermen missing at sea since Monday. In anticipation of the storm, all vessels have been instructed to remain anchored, while airport operations and government offices have been closed.
Forecasts predict that Cyclone Chido will maintain its eastern trajectory, potentially affecting Mozambique late Saturday or early Sunday. The disaster agency of Mozambique has warned that approximately 2.5 million residents in the northern provinces could be impacted. Additional precautions are being taken in Malawi and Zimbabwe, where warnings of flooding and possible evacuations have been issued.
The cyclone season, spanning from December to March, poses significant hazards to southern Africa, which has experienced a string of catastrophic storms in recent years. The repercussions of previous cyclones, such as Idai and Freddy, highlight the severe risks of flooding, landslides, and subsequent waterborne disease outbreaks, exacerbated by the ongoing effects of climate change.
Tropical cyclones represent a serious threat to many regions worldwide, particularly in southern Africa, where the cyclone season typically occurs from December to March. Recent years have highlighted an alarming trend of increasingly severe cyclones impacting already vulnerable populations in nations such as Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Studies link the intensification of these storms to climate change, emphasizing that developing countries, which contribute minimally to global warming, are disproportionately affected by the humanitarian crises that follow such natural disasters. Understanding the context of these weather patterns is crucial for grasping the challenges these regions face in their aftermath.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Mayotte and threatens further devastation as it moves toward the African mainland. The extensive destruction and the ongoing emergency response highlight the vulnerability of populations in the region, exacerbated by the challenges posed by climate change. With thousands already affected, the need for immediate humanitarian assistance is critical to mitigate the fallout from such catastrophic weather events.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
