The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are preparing for Cyclone Chido, with forecasts predicting winds up to 200 kph. Closures, evacuations, and red alerts have been issued across these areas and the northern regions of Mozambique, which could impact over 2 million individuals. The cyclone season, exacerbated by climate change, has raised concerns over flooding and potential disease outbreaks following the storm’s passage.
Cyclone Chido is approaching the Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte, prompting preparations for its anticipated impact. As of Friday, the Comoros archipelago has ordered the closure of schools, with expectations that Chido will make landfall early Saturday. The French territory of Mayotte is currently on a red alert issued by its national weather service. With winds forecasted at 200 kph (124 mph), Mozambique has also declared a red alert for its northern provinces, anticipating that over 2 million individuals may require rescue.
The cyclone season in the Indian Ocean typically lasts from December to March, bringing severe weather patterns to the region. Given the intense nature of recent storms, including Cyclone Idai in 2019 which resulted in over 1,300 fatalities across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, this year’s season poses significant risks. Moreover, research indicates that the increasing intensity of such storms can be attributed to climate change, heightening concerns for the affected populations.
In summary, Cyclone Chido poses a substantial threat to the Indian Ocean islands and mainland Africa, with evacuations, emergency preparedness, and alerts being implemented in response. Officials from Madagascar to Mozambique are bracing for extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the urgency of disaster management given the historical context of devastating cyclones in the region. Continued vigilance and preparedness are paramount as communities face this latest climate-related challenge.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
