Cyclone Chido has severely impacted southeast Africa, particularly in Mayotte and Mozambique, causing fear of thousands of fatalities. Local authorities report rising death tolls, injuries, and widespread destruction as aid efforts ramp up amid fears of a cholera epidemic. The cyclone is a reminder of the increasing vulnerability of low-income communities to climate change-induced disasters.
Intense Tropical Cyclone Chido, originating in the southwest Indian Ocean, has wreaked havoc in the French island territory of Mayotte and neighboring areas in southeast Africa, including Mozambique. The cyclone has raised fears of thousands of casualties, with local authorities indicating that the death toll could reach hundreds or even thousands.
Meteorologist Alex Baker from the University of Reading stated that Cyclone Chido underwent rapid intensification before making landfall, initially weakening but regaining Category 4-equivalent intensity by the time it struck Mayotte and threatened Mozambique. Preliminary reports reveal at least 22 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries in Mayotte, although many affected regions remain inaccessible.
To address the crisis, the French government has mandated a curfew to restore order and is dispatching daily deliveries of up to 50 tons of essential supplies, including food, water, and medical assistance. Médecins du Monde (MDM) has expressed concerns over a potential cholera epidemic if clean water accessibility does not improve, as cholera has already begun circulating on the island.
In Mozambique, reports indicate at least 34 deaths, while in the Comoros archipelago, a week of national mourning has been declared in anticipation of a rising death toll. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that more than 174,000 individuals in Mozambique, 34,000 in Malawi, and 64,000 in the Comoros have been affected by Cyclone Chido.
The cyclone is noted as the most potent storm to impact Mayotte in over 90 years, according to French weather service Météo-France. Baker attributed the extensive damage to the vulnerabilities present in low-income communities within the region.
Cyclone Chido has had a catastrophic impact on southeast Africa, especially in Mayotte and Mozambique, leading to numerous fatalities and widespread destruction. Governments and aid organizations are mobilizing resources to provide immediate assistance, yet there are grave concerns regarding disease outbreaks, such as cholera. Climate change implications remain a topic for further investigation, emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure in vulnerable communities.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
