Cyclone Chido has resulted in at least 11 deaths in Mayotte, leading to extensive devastation and critical injuries. The cyclone, recorded with winds over 220 kph, was declared the worst to hit the region in 90 years. Following its impact in Mayotte, Chido has moved towards Mozambique, raising concerns for 2.5 million others at risk across the region.
At least 11 individuals have tragically lost their lives due to Cyclone Chido, which has wreaked havoc in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean. The French Interior Ministry has reported that determining an accurate count of casualties and injuries remains challenging, with concerns that the death toll may rise. Furthermore, nine individuals are in critical condition in local hospitals, while at least 246 others have sustained injuries. Cyclone Chido, which boasted wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, has left Mayotte devastated, deemed the most severe cyclone to strike the island in the past 90 years. Damage reports indicate that entire neighborhoods have been flattened, and significant destruction has occurred to local infrastructure, including the main airport. The prefect of Mayotte has expressed grave concerns over the cyclone’s effects, fearing the death toll may continue to escalate.
The cyclone’s impact was not limited to Mayotte, as nearby regions, including Madagascar and the Comoros islands, also felt its wrath. Following its landfall in Mayotte, Cyclone Chido has proceeded to make landfall in Mozambique, prompting emergency officials to warn that up to 2.5 million people could be affected across two northern provinces. Neighboring landlocked nations, Malawi and Zimbabwe, are also bracing for potential flooding and have begun preparations that may include evacuating residents from vulnerable areas. It is important to note that Mayotte, often regarded as one of France’s least affluent territories, has faced ongoing challenges related to drought and underfunding, further complicating recovery efforts from this natural disaster.
In recent years, there has been a disturbing trend of powerful cyclones in the southeastern Indian Ocean, notably Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,500 individuals across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The increasing frequency and intensity of such storms underscore the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and responsiveness to climate-related disasters in the region.
Cyclone Chido has departed from a recent pattern of devastating storms affecting the southeastern Indian Ocean, showcasing a significant threat to vulnerable coastal communities. Mayotte, a remote French territory, is situated approximately 800 kilometers off Africa’s east coast. Struggling with socioeconomic challenges, including underinvestment and drought, the populace’s capacity to respond to disasters is substantially compromised. The region’s vulnerability has been exacerbated by the recent increase in cyclone frequencies, reflecting broader climatic shifts that require serious attention and preventive measures.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has left a devastating mark on Mayotte, resulting in the loss of lives, significant injuries, and extensive property damage. With the cyclone now impacting Mozambique and raising alarm for neighboring countries, there is an urgent need for an effective response and recovery plan. The recurring nature of such cyclones highlights the critical importance of strengthening preparedness measures to mitigate the impacts of future storms in the region.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
