Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck the Southwest Indian Ocean on December 11, 2023, has caused significant destruction, resulting in at least 142 fatalities across Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, and affecting over 622,000 people. The cyclone impacted several regions, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. Humanitarian efforts are underway, emphasizing the need for improved preparedness in the face of intense tropical storms.
Tropical Cyclone Chido recently emerged as a devastating force in the Southwest Indian Ocean, marking itself as the first significant cyclone of the season with catastrophic impacts. Formed on December 11, 2023, Chido reached a category 4 classification, with maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h and gusts peaking at 250 km/h. As of December 22, the cyclone has led to at least 142 deaths across Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, with over 3,300 individuals injured.
The cyclone primarily struck Madagascar first, threatening approximately 135,838 residents, especially in the Diana Region, resulting in extensive infrastructural damage and displacing numerous individuals. In response, local authorities, supported by the Malagasy Red Cross, issued danger warnings and executed evacuation protocols for vulnerable communities. Following this, the government of Comoros announced a week of mourning as Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on the islands of Anjouan and Moheli, where significant agricultural losses and home destructions impacted 64,167 people.
Mayotte experienced profound devastation, affecting nearly 70% of its population, equivalent to about 230,000 individuals. The cyclone obliterated approximately 35,000 homes, damaging vital facilities like the main hospital and local airport, thus impeding essential services. Currently, 100,000 people are temporarily housed in centers lacking basic necessities.
In Mozambique, about 622,000 individuals are reported affected, particularly in Cabo Delgado, where shelters and vital infrastructure suffered extensive damage. Assessments indicated that over 130,000 shelters were compromised, significantly exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. In Malawi, around 45,000 individuals remain stranded due to the cyclone’s aftermath, emphasizing a heightened requirement for disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
Continued evaluations are underway to ascertain the full extent of the destruction to infrastructure and agriculture, while Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies actively engage in humanitarian activities such as search and rescue operations and provisions for first aid. The situation underscores a pressing need for improved preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly severe tropical storms. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched this Emergency Appeal to furnish the necessary resources for humanitarian aid and to bolster the readiness of their networks and enhance community resilience during the cyclone season.
The events surrounding Tropical Cyclone Chido highlight a broader issue of climate change and intensified weather patterns affecting the Southwest Indian Ocean region. The early onset of the cyclone season, combined with the predicted increase in cyclone intensity, poses significant risks to vulnerable populations on islands such as Madagascar, Comoros, and Mayotte, as well as coastal regions of Mozambique and Malawi. Understanding the geographical and infrastructural challenges faced by these regions is essential to comprehend the extent of impact caused by such severe weather events. Moreover, this situation emphasizes the critical necessity for increased emergency preparedness and resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding natural disasters.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has demonstrated the devastating effects severe weather can have on vulnerable populations across the Southwest Indian Ocean. The cyclone has led to considerable loss of life and extensive infrastructure damage, particularly in Madagascar, Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi. The ongoing humanitarian efforts by the Red Cross and local authorities are crucial in providing relief and rebuilding affected areas. This disaster serves as a reminder of the urgent need for enhanced preparation and resilience against future storms, underlining the importance of international support and cooperation in disaster response efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
