A Humanitarian Response to the Devastation of Recent Tropical Cyclones in the Southwestern Indian Ocean

The Southwest Indian Ocean is facing a crisis due to Tropical Cyclone Chido and subsequent storms causing widespread devastation. The region is experiencing an above-average cyclone season, with notable impacts in Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mayotte, including fatalities, significant displacements, and infrastructure damage. The Emergency Appeal seeks to facilitate humanitarian assistance and strengthen preparedness for ongoing and future disasters.

The operational strategy for the Tropical Cyclones Emergency Appeal in the Southwestern Indian Ocean focuses on mitigating the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclone Chido and subsequent storms during the 2024/2025 cyclone season. Cyclone Chido, reaching Category 4 with wind speeds of up to 220 km/h, resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage, particularly affecting Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mayotte. Consequences included over 172 fatalities, substantial crop damage, and the displacement of more than 135,800 individuals, necessitating urgent humanitarian response efforts.

The cyclone’s aftermath saw Madagascar suffering from extensive infrastructure damage after Chido crossed the island. More than 135,800 residents were impacted, with heavy rains triggering additional flooding that further complicated recovery efforts. The response has involved the Malagasy Red Cross, which has been pivotal in issuing warnings and assisting communities in evacuating to safer areas.

In the Comoros, the full weight of Cyclone Chido prompted a government-declared week of mourning. The cyclone affected over 64,167 residents, destroying numerous homes and damaging schools while severely impacting local agriculture. Likewise, Mayotte experienced dire conditions with a significant portion of its population displaced and essential services disrupted, highlighting the cascading effects of such disasters.

Data from Mozambique indicated that approximately 90,640 households across various provinces were affected by Chido. With thousands of homes either partially or completely destroyed, the disaster stressed the necessity for ongoing humanitarian efforts and effective disaster management strategies.

Cyclone Dikeledi struck Madagascar shortly thereafter, affecting over 7,000 people and damaging numerous homes and schools. The storm’s subsequent arrival in Mozambique compounded existing difficulties as areas still recovering from Chido faced additional displacement and infrastructure challenges caused by Dikeledi’s severe winds and rainfall.

In February 2025, the emergence of Tropical Storms Garance and Honde brought further precipitation and destruction, compounding the challenges across the region. Flooding in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique worsened with thousands displaced and health services strained further due to heavy rains following the cyclones.

Preparedness efforts have intensified as the region continues facing heightened risks. Local and national agencies, alongside the IFRC, work to establish response protocols and resources to bolster resilience against further cyclones and flooding. The Emergency Appeal aims to enhance humanitarian aid and improve the readiness of National Societies to respond effectively to ongoing challenges.

The recent cyclones in the Southwestern Indian Ocean have underscored the region’s vulnerability, leading to extensive humanitarian needs and highlighting the critical importance of emergency preparedness. The combined impact of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi has left thousands displaced and infrastructure severely damaged across Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mayotte. As the cyclone season proceeds, efforts are being intensified to support affected communities and enhance disaster readiness to mitigate future impacts.

Original Source: reliefweb.int