Surviving Cyclone Chido: Comoros’s Journey of Resilience and Preparedness

Cyclone Chido struck Comoros, causing severe damage and displacements, especially for small farmers. The Comorian government, with World Bank support, acted swiftly to provide emergency aid through established frameworks. Engaging in the REPAIR program, Comoros aims to enhance its disaster preparedness and resilience. By sharing knowledge with other African nations, Comoros seeks to foster collective efforts against climate change, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration for effective disaster response.

Cyclone Chido recently struck Comoros, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, particularly among small farmers. On December 14, 2024, the cyclone, having already ravaged the island of Mayotte, hit Anjouan and Mohéli, leaving many families displaced and crops destroyed. With the cyclone season still ongoing, residents continue to live in fear of further disasters, highlighting the vulnerability of Comoros, a nation highly susceptible to climate change impacts.

Comoros, located between Madagascar and Mozambique, is identified as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, with over half its population residing in areas prone to natural disasters. In this region, the escalating effects of climate change have resulted in increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, severely affecting impoverished communities and undermining established public services and infrastructure.

Post-cyclone, the Comorian government, aided by the World Bank, initiated prompt emergency relief efforts, providing essential services such as food, water, and temporary shelter. This efficient response was made possible by a well-established operational framework developed through lessons learned from prior disasters, ensuring timely support in emergencies.

In September 2024, Comoros, alongside Madagascar and Mozambique, engaged in the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery Program (REPAIR). Funded by a $926 million investment from the International Development Association (IDA) and the Global Shield Financing Facility, REPAIR aims to enhance financial preparedness against climate disasters across 12 African nations, fostering regional collaboration to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.

Comoros’s utilization of the REPAIR program has illustrated a vital learning: the significance of timely assistance is just as crucial as the financial resources available. The coordinated efforts among various government entities and community organizations have proven essential in effectively delivering aid to those impacted, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in saving lives during crises.

Looking ahead, Comoros is committed to enhancing its climate resilience and improving its contingency planning in conjunction with experts from ARC Ltd. This March, the nation plans to share its insights with nine other African countries in a regional workshop focused on disaster risk finance, aiming to bolster collective efforts toward climate adaptation and resilience within the continent.

The path ahead is undoubtedly arduous, yet the proactive measures taken now are imperative for shaping a sustainable future. For Comoros and similarly vulnerable nations, fostering resilience is essential, as collaboration and innovation in addressing climate challenges is vital to ensure communities are adequately supported when forthcoming natural disasters occur.

In conclusion, the experience of Cyclone Chido has catalyzed significant advancements in Comoros’s disaster preparedness and response strategies. Through the swift mobilization of resources and the establishment of collaborative frameworks, the nation exemplifies how coordinated efforts can reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience. The ongoing commitment to climate adaptation and preparedness is critical, as it paves the way for a safer and more equitable future for communities at risk.

Original Source: www.worldbank.org