Cyclone Chido has claimed at least eleven lives in Mayotte and caused extensive damage, prompting fears of rising casualties. It has since impacted Mozambique, where emergency services are preparing for potential flooding and destruction. The cyclone season has intensified concerns about humanitarian crises in low-income countries due to climate change.
At least eleven individuals have lost their lives due to Cyclone Chido, which has wreaked catastrophic havoc on Mayotte, a French territory situated in the Indian Ocean, according to the French Interior Ministry. Following its devastating impact on Mayotte, the cyclone has moved on to the eastern coast of Africa, where humanitarian organizations are voicing concerns regarding further casualties and extensive destruction, particularly in northern Mozambique.
The challenges of obtaining an exact count of the casualties and injuries in Mayotte persist, with officials fearing that the toll may rise. Reports from a local hospital indicate that nine individuals are in critical condition, with an additional 246 injured. The cyclone has also affected nearby islands like Comoros and Madagascar, and officials have reported that Mayotte has endured the worst cyclone in nearly ninety years, causing unparalleled destruction.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed concerns during an emergency meeting in Paris, stating that “the death toll in Mayotte ‘will be high’ and the island had been largely devastated.” Prime Minister François Bayrou reported severe damage to public infrastructure, including the main hospital and the airport, underscoring the dire conditions faced by residents in vulnerable housing.
Cyclone Chido, classified as a category 4 storm with winds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph), has inflicted considerable damage on Mayotte, which has a population of approximately 300,000 people. The storm contributed to widespread destruction, with entire neighborhoods destroyed, uprooted trees, and sunken vessels reported.
In response to these emergencies, 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers have been deployed to assist and prevent potential looting, while 110 rescuers and firefighters have also arrived from France and Reunion Island. French President Emmanuel Macron is closely monitoring the crisis, while Pope Francis has offered prayers for the cyclone’s victims.
Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on the mainland shortly after affecting Mayotte. Emergency officials predict that around 2.5 million people may be impacted in two northern provinces, with preparedness measures being discussed in Malawi and Zimbabwe due to imminent flooding concerns. In Mozambique, UNICEF reported substantial destruction in Cabo Delgado province, where a significant number of homes, schools, and healthcare facilities are damaged, necessitating immediate aid and support.
Cyclones in the southeastern Indian Ocean represent a recurring threat, particularly during the cyclone season from December through March. The recent occurrence of Cyclone Chido is part of a troubling trend, as the region has experienced several severe cyclones in recent years. Notably, Cyclone Idai in 2019 resulted in over 1,300 fatalities across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, highlighting the devastating impact these storms can have. The worsening conditions surrounding these cyclones have been attributed to climate change, with poorer nations bearing the brunt of climate-related disasters despite contributing minimally to global warming, prompting calls for greater support from wealthier nations.
In summary, the impact of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte has been devastating, leading to a confirmed death toll of eleven and significant destruction. The aftermath has shown the limitations of emergency resources as authorities struggle to provide aid amidst rising casualties. As Cyclone Chido continues to threaten neighboring regions like Mozambique, the humanitarian crisis poses a serious challenge, further illustrating the urgent need for global cooperation in response to the exacerbated effects of climate change.
Original Source: www.seattletimes.com
