Cyclone Chido began battering the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on Saturday, prompting authorities to issue the highest alert possible as they ordered everyone, including rescue workers, to seek shelter. Governor Francois-Xavier Bieuville described the situation as "an unprecedented event, extremely violent," with wind speeds expected to reach dangerous levels.
With the cyclone moving closer to the territory, officials instituted strict confinement orders for all 320,000 residents, urging them to remain indoors. Ibrahim Mcolo, who lives on the main island of Grande Terre, reported seeing fallen electricity masts and roofs ripped from homes, stating, "There is no more electricity...Even in our house, which is well protected, the water is getting in. I can feel it trembling." This sentiment reflected widespread concern among residents as they faced the incoming storm.
The government mobilized for crisis management, banning movement and closing the regional airport of Dzaoudzi. Over 70 schools and gyms were designated as shelters, prioritizing the 100,000 residents deemed most vulnerable. Fatima, 57, from Majicavo-Koropa, voiced her fears as she stocked supplies, saying, "We're really scared. I've stocked up on water bottles, food, candles."
The French state weather service indicated the cyclone's eye was approximately 30 kilometers from the eastern edge of the archipelago. They reported gusts exceeding 180 kilometers per hour, with possibilities of reaching up to 230 kph. Some areas faced flooding, and the regional health agency announced enhancements to medical resources, preparing for injuries or illnesses resulting from the storm.
Local leaders expressed their anxiety about the storm's potential impact. Mayor Youssouf Ambdi from Ouangani stated, "There is sure to be material damage. We are praying there are no victims." The forecast suggested conditions might improve starting late Saturday, but the immediate threat remained severe.
Kenya Airways also reacted swiftly to Cyclone Chido, announcing the temporary cancellation of its flights to Comoros and Mayotte. The airline communicated on social media, emphasizing their commitment to customer and staff safety. They stated, “We sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience this may cause.” The cyclone, which is projected to last until Monday, December 16, 2024, prompted numerous safety protocols to protect passengers.
Passengers were advised to monitor the situation and seek assistance from the airline's customer service. The announcement came as part of the broader response to the regional disruption caused by the cyclone.
The cyclone is expected to have effects beyond Mayotte and Comoros, impacting regions as far as Mozambique. Authorities there have issued red alerts for the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, predicting winds up to 200 kph. Ana Cristina, director of Mozambique’s National Emergency Operations Center, estimated, “We believe we can start with around 2.5 million people who may be affected and will need to be rescued.”
Madagascar, experiencing worries of its own, issued phone alerts and broadcasts to heighten awareness of the cyclone’s impending danger. Some residents began evacuations, particularly those situated in the northern regions of Diana. Local authorities highlighted the need for precaution as nearly 20,000 individuals could be impacted directly by the storm's arrival.
The French government indicated plans to send emergency personnel and three tons of equipment to assist those affected in Mayotte. About 110 emergency responders, including firefighters and specialists equipped with search dogs, are expected to help with recovery efforts after the cyclone passes, demonstrating the regional commitment to resilience and community support.
December through March marks the cyclone season for this part of the world, which has faced multiple devastating storms over the past few years. The disastrous consequences of past cyclones, like Idai and Freddy, have heightened concerns over severe weather due to climate change. Crisis24, specializing in risk management, warned Cyclone Chido may lead to hazardous flooding and landslides, conditions ripe for infectious outbreaks such as cholera and dengue fever.
While weather conditions may improve, the aftermath of the cyclone poses grave threats as authorities brace for potential rescue operations and health crises. With prominent leadership figures reiteration the importance of safety and recovery efforts, the urgency for preparation and resilience among affected communities has never been clearer.
