Cyclone Chido caused significant damage and at least 11 deaths in Mayotte, affecting 2.5 million people in northern Mozambique as it continued its path. Public infrastructure has been severely impacted, leading to urgent rescue and relief efforts. With the approaching cyclone season, the risks of waterborne diseases further complicate recovery efforts.
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in the French territory of Mayotte, causing at least 11 fatalities and extensive destruction before making landfall in Mozambique. The cyclone, categorized as a category 4 with wind speeds surpassing 220 kph (136 mph), impacted communities hard, particularly in Mayotte where public infrastructure, including the main hospital and airport, suffered severe damage. Reports indicate that many neighborhoods were devastated, leaving the island in dire need of assistance.
The Indian Ocean region is vulnerable to tropical cyclones, particularly during the cyclone season from December to March. Cyclone Chido has exacerbated an already precarious humanitarian situation in areas such as Mayotte and northern Mozambique, highlighting the extensive challenges faced by low-income territories in dealing with such disasters. Prior instances, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, have resulted in enormous loss of life, and concerns persist regarding future health crises following floods, such as cholera outbreaks.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido illustrates the dire consequences of natural disasters on vulnerable populations, particularly in impoverished regions like Mayotte. As assistance is mobilized, there is an urgent need for infrastructure repair and addressing health risks associated with flooding. The cyclone reinforces the call for greater support from developed nations to help poorer countries cope with the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.
Original Source: time.com
