Impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in the Southwest Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction in the Southwest Indian Ocean, leading to at least 142 deaths and widespread damage across Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi. Affected nations are currently undertaking emergency relief efforts amidst ongoing assessments of the cyclone’s extensive impact on communities and infrastructure.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage across the Southwest Indian Ocean region, marking its position as the first major cyclone of this season, which has been predicted to be notably active. On December 11, Chido escalated into a category 4 tropical cyclone, boasting sustained winds of 220 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h. Tragically, as of December 22, the cyclone has led to at least 142 fatalities and over 3,300 injuries across the affected nations.

Madagascar was the first country to face the cyclone’s ferocity, with an estimated 135,838 individuals impacted. Infrastructure suffered significant degradation, and residents were displaced due to flooding and severe rainfall that ruined agricultural crops. Emergency warnings were promptly issued, resulting in the evacuation of high-risk communities.

In the Comoros, a week of mourning was declared following the cyclone’s path on December 14, with an estimated 64,167 residents affected across Anjouan and Moheli islands. The cyclone devastated homes, schools, and left approximately 45 percent of agricultural lands affected.

Mayotte experienced catastrophic impacts as roughly 70 percent of its population, equating to about 230,000 individuals, faced severe effects from the cyclone. The destruction included 35,000 homes and damage to essential infrastructure such as hospitals and airports, displacing approximately 100,000 individuals into temporary shelters lacking adequate necessities.

Mozambique reported that around 622,000 individuals were affected, particularly in Cabo Delgado where 509,800 people endured serious damage to their homes and infrastructure. The cyclone exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and destroyed over 130,000 shelters, disrupting livelihoods in the process.

Malawi is also grappling with the aftermath, as nearly 45,000 people are stranded due to the cyclone’s remnants, emphasizing the critical need for ongoing disaster management and humanitarian support.

These preliminary figures signal the necessity for continuous assessment of the cyclone’s impact on infrastructure and agriculture. Currently, the National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, first aid provision, and family reunifications.

As relief operations ramp up, the aftermath of Cyclone Chido highlights the urgent need for preparedness and resilience against increasingly intense weather systems. The Emergency Appeal aims to bolster the humanitarian response capacity of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and improve community resilience throughout the cyclone season.

The Southwest Indian Ocean has been subject to a predicted above-average cyclone season, posing significant threats to the Mascarene Islands, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Cyclone Chido, as the first substantial cyclone during this season, has triggered widespread destruction, leading to high human casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture, necessitating urgent humanitarian responses and disaster management efforts.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has profoundly affected multiple countries, resulting in a considerable loss of life and extensive damage to communities and infrastructure. The ongoing humanitarian efforts by international organizations, including the Red Cross, are vital in addressing immediate needs and enhancing future preparedness and resilience against similar disasters. Immediate action and support are essential to assist the affected regions as they navigate the challenges posed by this destructive cyclone.

Original Source: reliefweb.int