Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused extensive destruction in the Southwest Indian Ocean, resulting in at least 142 deaths and over 3,300 injuries. The cyclone first impacted Madagascar, followed by severe effects in the Comoros, Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi. Current assessments indicate significant infrastructural damage and agricultural losses, necessitating continued humanitarian efforts and resources amid ongoing challenges during this cyclone season.
Tropical Cyclone Chido emerged as a significant weather event, marking the first cyclone of the season in the Southwest Indian Ocean with extensive destructive impacts. On December 11, Chido intensified into a Category 4 cyclone, resulting in sustained winds of 220 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h. As of December 22, the cyclone has caused at least 142 confirmed fatalities across Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi, alongside over 3,300 reported injuries.
The initial impact was felt in Madagascar, where Cyclone Chido’s trajectory affected an estimated 135,838 people in the Diana Region. Authorities, in collaboration with the Malagasy Red Cross, issued warnings and undertook evacuation measures as heavy rains triggered flooding and considerable infrastructure damage. In the Comoros, the cyclone led the government to declare a week of mourning, with 64,167 individuals affected and significant agricultural losses.
Mayotte experienced devastating effects with about 70 percent of its population affected, and approximately 35,000 homes destroyed. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals and the main airport, suffered damage, leaving many individuals in temporary accommodation lacking essential amenities. In Mozambique, around 622,000 individuals were reported impacted, with notable devastation in Cabo Delgado, where over 509,800 people experienced severe shelter damage.
Malawi also reported nearly 45,000 stranded individuals due to the cyclone’s aftermath, underscoring the ongoing need for humanitarian assistance and disaster management. Continuous assessments are being conducted to ascertain the full scope of the damages, with National Societies of the Red Cross mobilizing to provide urgent support, including search and rescue operations and family assistance.
The severity of Cyclone Chido highlights the growing necessity for preparedness, resilience, and effective disaster response in light of increasingly intense storms. This Emergency Appeal aims to bolster the resources available for humanitarian assistance and enhance the capabilities of National Societies and volunteers within the affected communities for the ongoing cyclone season.
The Southwest Indian Ocean has been experiencing an early and potentially above-average cyclone season, with Tropical Cyclone Chido being the first to make a significant impact. This particular season presents increased risks to the Mascarene Islands, east Madagascar, and Mozambique. The cyclone’s onset triggered a humanitarian crisis, affecting thousands and emphasizing the urgent need for effective disaster management and preparedness protocols. Cyclone Chido’s destructive journey began on December 11, escalating to an intense cyclone that later caused widespread devastation in several countries, prompting emergency responses and international appeals for assistance. The extent of the damage and the number of affected individuals are still being assessed, underscoring the need for ongoing support from humanitarian organizations across the region.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has unleashed significant destruction across the Southwest Indian Ocean, affecting thousands and leading to numerous casualties and infrastructural damages. The coordinated efforts by local and international humanitarian organizations are critical in alleviating the immediate suffering experienced by the affected populations. This cyclone serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for increased preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather phenomena, reinforcing the imperative for ongoing support in disaster-stricken areas.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
