Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 hurricane, struck Mayotte and Mozambique in December, causing significant destruction and affecting a vast population. Climate change is linked to the increasing intensity of cyclones, exacerbated by socioeconomic issues, including conflict and undocumented migration. Enhanced preparation and resilience strategies are urgently needed to protect vulnerable communities from future disasters.
Cyclone Chido, categorized as an intense tropical cyclone and equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, struck Mayotte and Mozambique in December, eliciting significant wind gusts of up to 155 mph. This cyclone traveled north of Madagascar, impacting the Comoros archipelago before wreaking havoc in Mozambique. The frequency and intensity of such tropical cyclones in this region have escalated in recent years, largely attributed to climate change and rising ocean temperatures.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has revealed devastating impacts, with an estimated 70 percent of Mayotte’s population affected and over 50,000 homes in Mozambique destroyed. The ongoing conflict in Mozambique and the presence of undocumented migrants in Mayotte have exacerbated the situation, contributing to loss of life and extensive infrastructural damage. Research efforts focus on understanding the evolving characteristics of these cyclones across southern Africa and developing strategies for resilience against future cyclones, especially where migration and conflict intersect.
Socioeconomic factors significantly enhance the risk posed by tropical cyclones, particularly among migrants who mostly reside in precarious housing and often fear seeking aid due to their undocumented status. In Mozambique, regions plagued by conflict and violence face compounded challenges as successive cyclones worsen living conditions, with many individuals currently living in displacement camps. As of June 2024, it is estimated that over half a million people are without permanent housing, a figure that is anticipated to rise following Chido’s impact.
The early landfall of Cyclone Chido reduced preparation time, hindering the delivery of essential aid due to insufficient resources and personnel. Warming sea surface temperatures not only intensify storms but expand the areas vulnerable to tropical cyclones. The Indian Ocean’s rapid warming has resulted in an increase in the number of powerful storms like Chido. Climate studies attribute a significant portion of the cyclone’s intensity to climate change, indicating that conditions were markedly more favorable for such an event due to anthropogenic factors.
Furthermore, climate change may cause tropical cyclones to become more rain-heavy and slower-moving, leading to intensified flooding risks. The necessity for integrated responses that encompass socioeconomic dynamics alongside climate change is crucial in enhancing community resilience against the evolving threat of cyclones. Without a comprehensive approach, displaced and migrant populations will remain disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters.
The article discusses the rising frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean, with a particular focus on Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte and Mozambique. It emphasizes the relationship between climate change, increasing ocean temperatures, and the consequences for vulnerable populations in the region. Additionally, it highlights how socioeconomic factors, including undocumented migration and existing conflicts, exacerbate the impact of such natural disasters.
Cyclone Chido exemplifies the devastating effects of climate change on tropical cyclone patterns and their impact on vulnerable populations. As rising sea temperatures continue to fuel stronger storms, a multifaceted approach that includes social dynamics, migration, and conflict must be prioritized in disaster preparedness and resilience-building efforts. Without such strategies, marginalized communities will continue to face disproportionate risks from increasingly severe cyclones.
Original Source: theconversation.com
