Cyclone Chido has unleashed catastrophic devastation across the Indian Ocean, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage in the French territory of Mayotte and Mozambique. The cyclone struck Mayotte on December 14, marking the most severe storm to hit the island in 90 years. Shortly thereafter, it made landfall on the mainland of Mozambique, amplifying its tragic impact.
According to reports from the French Interior Ministry, by the end of December, the death toll from Cyclone Chido had risen to 39 on Mayotte, with 4,136 individuals injured, 124 of them suffering serious wounds. The prefect of Mayotte revealed, “The work of identifying the victims of the cyclone continues, in coordination with local officials and associations.” A total of 34 operations have been launched to search for those still missing, utilizing drones to aid recovery efforts.
Authorities established a field hospital equipped with operating theaters to accommodate the medical needs of those impacted. This facility, located at a stadium in Mamoudzou, is capable of handling 100 patients daily, providing urgent medical care to the most severely affected.
While recovery efforts are underway, the cyclone's aftermath is felt deeply, as emergency services strive to restore basic utilities such as water, electricity, and communications. The prefect stated, "100,000 liters of water are now being distributed every day." This notable figure highlights the urgency of addressing basic needs as communities begin the slow process of rebuilding.
Transitioning from Mayotte's trials, Cyclone Chido made its way to Mozambique on December 15, wreaking havoc particularly in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Reports from Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management confirmed at least 94 fatalities, raising previous figures and underscoring the cyclone's relentless impact. “The cyclone devastated the French island territory of Mayotte before hitting the African mainland,” they noted. The storm uprooted approximately 110,000 homes as high winds peaked at 260 kilometers per hour, accompanied by torrential downpours.
The coastal provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula were especially hard-hit, with residents experiencing immense challenges as the cyclone stripped roofs off homes, uprooted trees, and severed communication lines. The region, already fraught with instability due to long-standing security issues, faced additional strife with over 500,000 individuals directly impacted by the storm.
With reports indicating the storm was intensified by climate change, the realities of these situations shed light on the broader conversation surrounding climate resilience and preparedness. The ruling party’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, visited the affected areas, calling for contributions of food and clothing for those suffering from the cyclone’s effects—“Even if we are using them, our brothers need them,” he remarked, appealing to the national solidarity.
Concurrently, Mozambique is grappling with political tensions following contested elections, compounding the effects of the cyclone. Chapo's victory is shrouded with allegations of electoral fraud, resulting in protests and unrest. Activist groups confirm at least 130 deaths from the ensuing turmoil, with allegations of police brutality rising as tensions continue to escalate.
Back on Mayotte, the economic ramifications extend beyond the immediate physical damage, creating challenges for businesses and residents. Many inhabitants are undocumented migrants from the nearby Comoros islands, and the cyclone's destruction of makeshift settlements raises concerns about their safety and healthcare access during this crisis.
The Comoros, which claims sovereignty over Mayotte, declared national mourning, reflecting solidarity with the victims and the harsh realities faced by inhabitants during the recovery phase. The broader regional impacts of cyclone Chido are still developing, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and coordinated humanitarian responses.
Looking forward, the severity of losses highlights the pressing need for preparedness strategies and resources aimed at strengthening infrastructure and community resilience to mitigate the impacts of future storms. The devastation left by Cyclone Chido is not merely measured by the current toll of fatalities and destruction but calls for renewed commitment to disaster risk management and climate action to safeguard vulnerable populations across the Indian Ocean territory.
