Impact of Tropical Cyclones on the Southwestern Indian Ocean: Emergency Appeal Analysis
Tropical Cyclone Chido marked the start of a destructive cyclone season in the Southwestern Indian Ocean, leading to over 172 deaths and massive devastation in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mayotte. The following Cyclone Dikeledi further impacted the region, displacing thousands and disrupting lives. Continued flooding from subsequent storms necessitates immediate international humanitarian assistance and preparedness efforts to support affected populations.
The Tropical Cyclone Chido, occurring in the Southwestern Indian Ocean, marked the commencement of a notably destructive cyclone season for 2024/2025. Intensifying to Category 4, Chido caused fatalities in Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, resulting in over 172 deaths and numerous injuries. An estimated 135,800 individuals, particularly in Madagascar, were affected as a result of significant infrastructure damage and flooding.
Chido particularly devastated Madagascar, crossing near the Diana Region, displacing thousands while leading to evacuations and warnings from the Malagasy Red Cross Society. The Comoros government declared a week of mourning for those affected, with significant agricultural losses and destruction of homes, schools, and essential facilities occurring across the islands of Anjouan and Moheli. In Mayotte, the cyclone impacted approximately 230,000 residents and severely disrupted services, requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.
According to the Displacement Tracking Matrix, Mozambique faced severe repercussions from the cyclone, with over 90,000 households affected across various provinces. Despite the destruction of homes and infrastructure, National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent provided critical support, facilitating evacuation, aid, and family reunification efforts.
Shortly thereafter, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck on 11 January 2025, causing damage to homes and displacing over 8,000 children due to destroyed classrooms. Though schools resumed in some northern areas, assessments indicated further destruction in Mozambique, particularly around Nampula, amplifying the need for ongoing humanitarian efforts as the cyclone impacted lands already reeling from Chido’s effects.
By late February, additional systems, including Tropical Storms Honde and Garance, added to the cyclone season’s toll, causing further flooding and destruction across Madagascar, La Réunion, and Mauritius. Severe rainfall led to significant evacuations and damage, necessitating proactive preparedness within the region.
Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique have suffered extensive flooding, displacing thousands of families and exacerbating humanitarian needs across Southeastern Africa. Ongoing rainfall forecasts suggest that the situation may worsen, particularly as local authorities and NGOs mobilize resources and responses to ensure the safety and recovery of the impacted communities.
This Emergency Appeal aims to facilitate humanitarian assistance and bolster the preparedness and resilience of vulnerable communities in the aftermath of Chido, Dikeledi, and subsequent cyclones, assuring ongoing support through the cyclone season and beyond.
The recent cyclone events in the Southwestern Indian Ocean underscore the urgent need for humanitarian relief and preparedness among affected nations. With Cyclone Chido inflicting extensive damage and loss of life, followed by Cyclone Dikeledi’s impact, the necessity for continued support and infrastructure resilience is paramount. Flooding exacerbated by these cyclones highlights a critical humanitarian crisis that calls for sustained international aid and proactive community resilience strategies.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
