Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique, causing extensive damage in Mayotte. Over 1.7 million people are impacted in Mozambique, with severe winds and flooding. The storm has raised concerns over fatalities in Mayotte, with thousands potentially affected. Organizations are mobilizing to assess needs and coordinate responses in the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
Cyclone Chido, classified as a Category 4 storm, made landfall in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, on December 15, following its path of destruction through the French overseas department of Mayotte. The Malawi Red Cross reported that Tropical Cyclone Chido was noted at 14:05 that day, demonstrating its far-reaching impacts, with heavy rains, destructive winds, and the risk of flash floods threatening multiple regions, including parts of southern Malawi. The storm has caused considerable damage, affecting approximately 1.7 million individuals across Mozambique, prompting assistance and response efforts from various organizations, including the International Organization for Migration and UNICEF.
Prior to reaching Mozambique, Cyclone Chido delivered catastrophic effects to the island of Mayotte, which was significantly impacted by winds surpassing 220 km/h (136 mph). The storm resulted in entire neighborhoods being reduced to rubble, with reports indicating that the death toll could range from hundreds to potentially thousands. The Prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, conveyed serious concerns regarding the repercussions of this disaster as rescue and recovery efforts are hampered by the urgency of burial practices within the region’s predominantly Muslim population.
As noted by Meteo France, the storm represented a cyclone of unprecedented magnitude for Mayotte, marking a historical event as noted since no such force had been experienced in the past 90 years. With aid organizations mobilizing to assess the needs of the affected communities, the situation demands continued attention and collaborative response efforts to address the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido on vulnerable populations in the region.
Cyclone Chido serves as a poignant reminder of the threats posed by tropical cyclones, particularly in vulnerable regions like Mozambique and Mayotte. Such storms can leave a trail of destruction, wreaking havoc on infrastructure and threatening lives. The response by international and local organizations highlights the need for coordinated disaster relief efforts, especially in light of the immediate and long-term impacts these storms can have on already at-risk populations. Ensuring efficient communication and resource allocation is crucial to mitigating the disaster’s effects.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Mozambique and Mayotte, leaving a path of destruction and raising concerns over substantial human losses. The immediate response from organizations and local authorities is critical to addressing the urgent needs of affected populations. As the situation develops, continuous monitoring and support will be essential to facilitate recovery efforts and assist the vulnerable communities devastated by this cyclone.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
