Cyclone Chido devastated Comoros in December 2024, causing severe destruction and displacement. Over half of the population is in at-risk areas due to climate change. The government, aided by World Bank support, mobilized swift emergency relief. Comoros joined the REPAIR program to improve financial preparedness for climate disasters, sharing its insights with other nations to promote resilience and collaborative recovery efforts.
On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido struck the islands of Anjouan and Mohéli in Comoros, causing extensive devastation and displacement among families. Chief Ali Athoumane of Dzuani lamented the loss of homes and livelihoods as the cyclone ravaged the region, particularly impacting small farmers reliant on subsistence agriculture. The effects of the storm are still present as fear of future disasters looms over a population already living in extreme vulnerability due to climate change.
Comoros, situated between Madagascar and Mozambique, ranks among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, as over half of its population lives in at-risk areas. Climate change has intensified the occurrence of catastrophic weather events in this region. The toll of these disasters on impoverished communities disrupts essential infrastructure and dismantles hard-earned development, exacerbating existing challenges.
Following Cyclone Chido, the Comorian authorities implemented an emergency relief effort, with assistance from the World Bank. The swift mobilization of food, water, temporary shelters, and emergency kits exemplified a developed operational and financial emergency response system, shaped by lessons learned from prior disasters.
In September 2024, Comoros became part of the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery Program (REPAIR). Supported by a substantial investment from the International Development Association and Global Shield Financing Facility, this initiative seeks to enhance financial preparedness and facilitate timely response to climate-related disasters among African nations.
Comoros’s engagement with REPAIR has provided critical insights regarding the importance of coordinated disaster responses. Effective collaboration among ministries, civil protection agencies, and local communities ensured that aid reached those most affected, including households, farmers, and small businesses vital to regional recovery.
Looking forward, Comoros is actively working to build on its partnership with REPAIR by advancing climate resilience and enhancing disaster contingency strategies. This March, the nation will share its experiences with nine other African countries at a workshop in South Africa, highlighting the significance of collaborative approaches in tackling climate adaptation challenges.
As the nation prepares for future adversities, resilience becomes imperative. The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to joint innovation and climate equity, ensuring that when natural disasters occur, communities are supported in their recovery rather than left to fend for themselves alone.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido’s impact on Comoros has significantly highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by this island nation amid climate change. Through swift governmental responses and collaborative regional programs such as REPAIR, Comoros is laying the groundwork for enhanced preparedness and resilience. The experience underscores the critical importance of coordination and community engagement in disaster relief efforts. Looking ahead, there remains a collective responsibility to foster inclusive recovery and climate adaptation efforts across Africa.
Original Source: www.worldbank.org
