Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, struck Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province after devastating Mayotte, leading to significant destruction and a potential death toll in the hundreds to thousands. Relief organizations are mobilizing to assist the affected populations in both regions as they assess ongoing needs and coordinate disaster response efforts.
Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Pemba, the capital of Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, on December 15. Prior to its arrival in Mozambique, the cyclone caused significant damage in Mayotte, a French overseas territory. Reports indicate that Chido produced destructive winds exceeding 136 mph (220 km/h), resulting in obliterated neighborhoods and a considerable loss of life. The International Organization for Migration has reported that around 1.7 million individuals are affected in the regions of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa due to heavy rainfall and flooding as the cyclone continues to impact southern Malawi as well.
In the wake of the storm, relief efforts are being initiated by governmental agencies and organizations such as the Malawi Red Cross and UNICEF. These entities are conducting assessments to identify the immediate needs of the affected populations and coordinating early responses to mitigate the disaster’s impact. Special measures for protection against sexual exploitation and abuse are also being reinforced during the response efforts.
The Prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, acknowledged the severe toll of Cyclone Chido on the archipelago, revealing that the death toll may be in the hundreds or even thousands. This estimation presents challenges in accurately determining the extent of casualties, given the local customs surrounding burial practices, which necessitate interments within 24 hours of passing.
Cyclone Chido holds historical significance as it is considered to have caused impacts unseen in Mayotte for over 90 years, with the region now grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster characterized by extreme weather. The cyclone’s path through the Indian Ocean, specifically affecting the territories of Mozambique and Mayotte, offers insight into the heightened vulnerability of these regions to intense weather phenomena, exacerbated by geographical and climatic conditions. Such storms pose ongoing challenges to humanitarian efforts and disaster response strategies.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a devastating impact on Mozambique and Mayotte, leading to substantial destruction, significant human casualties, and ongoing humanitarian challenges. The swift response from organizations and government agencies highlights the immediate need for disaster relief, while also underlining the threats posed by increasingly severe weather events. The situation remains fluid as assessments and recovery efforts continue to unfold.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
