Cyclone Chido Causes Catastrophic Damage in Mozambique and Mayotte

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Mozambique, wreaking havoc after devastating Mayotte. With winds exceeding 200 km/h, it impacted approximately 1.7 million people and caused significant destruction. Local and international organizations are mobilizing to assess needs and facilitate response efforts amidst a climate of extreme vulnerability.

Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, made its devastating landfall in Pemba, the capital of the Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, on December 15, 2023. This fierce cyclone followed a path of destruction in the French-administered territory of Mayotte, where it caused significant devastation. Reports indicate that Cyclone Chido impacted approximately 1.7 million individuals across northern Mozambique, with winds exceeding 200 km/h and heavy rainfall prompting considerable risks of flooding. Local organizations, including the Malawi Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration, are mobilizing to assess damages and initiate response efforts immediately.

Prior to its arrival in Mozambique, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in Mayotte, leading to severe infrastructure destruction and significant human casualties. Winds reached alarming speeds of over 220 km/h, shocking the small French territory. Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, disclosed that the cyclone may have claimed hundreds, possibly thousands, of lives, although obtaining accurate figures remains challenging due to the swift burial customs observed within the region’s predominantly Muslim population. Meteo France, the national weather service, stated that the gale-force winds experienced were unprecedented in intensity over the last 90 years, highlighting the cyclone’s catastrophic impact.

Cyclone Chido presents a critical concern for the populations of Mozambique and Mayotte, areas already vulnerable to climatic adversities. The cyclone’s magnitude and the subsequent flooding threaten the safety and livelihood of millions. As humanitarian organizations coordinate efforts to address immediate needs and assess the extensive damage, the situation magnifies the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and its effects on vulnerable regions. Understanding such natural disasters’ impacts evokes both a need for preparedness and urgency in response strategies to support affected communities.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido’s recent landfall underscores the enduring challenges posed by extreme weather events in vulnerable regions. The significant loss of life and widespread destruction in both Mayotte and Mozambique necessitate immediate humanitarian intervention. Organizations are mobilizing rapidly to address critical needs and provide support to those affected, highlighting the importance of swift response and resilience strategies in the face of natural disasters.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in