Indian Ocean Islands Brace for Cyclone Chido as it Approaches Africa’s East Coast
The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Chido, an intense tropical storm expected to hit the region over the weekend. The storm poses significant threats of heavy winds, flooding, and potential landslides, with warnings also extending to Mozambique on the African mainland.
Comoros on High Alert
In the small archipelago of Comoros, authorities ordered schools to close as the cyclone is anticipated to make landfall early Saturday. The islands are taking precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property as Cyclone Chido approaches.
Madagascar Issues Warnings and Begins Evacuations
The northern tip of Madagascar is also directly in Chido’s path. Alerts have been broadcast on radio and sent to cell phones since Thursday, urging residents to take precautions. Authorities in the Diana region, which is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, have issued imminent danger warnings and are evacuating vulnerable areas.
Madagascar’s government has been delivering emergency supplies, including food, water pumps, generators, and chainsaws, to affected areas since Tuesday. Officials estimate that nearly 20,000 people in the northern region could be impacted.
Mayotte on Red Alert
The French territory of Mayotte, situated south of Comoros, has been placed on red alert—the highest level of warning—by the French national weather service. The French Interior Ministry announced that it is deploying approximately 110 emergency personnel, including firefighters from nearby Reunion and rescue specialists from mainland France.
The support includes search dogs and specialists trained in extracting people from rubble. Three tons of emergency equipment, including medical supplies, will accompany the team to assist in relief efforts.
Mozambique Prepares for Landfall
Cyclone Chido is expected to make landfall on Mozambique’s northern coast early Sunday, with winds forecasted to reach 200 kph (124 mph). Authorities have issued a red alert for the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, where over 2.5 million people may require assistance.
Ana Cristina, the director of Mozambique’s National Emergency Operations Center, stated that rescue operations will target those most affected by the cyclone. Crisis response plans are in place to mitigate the anticipated damage.
Impact Beyond Coastal Areas
Even landlocked Zimbabwe is bracing for Cyclone Chido’s aftermath. Authorities there have issued warnings for potential heavy rainfall and flooding, which could cause widespread disruption in affected regions.
Lessons from Past Cyclones
The region has experienced severe cyclones during its December-to-March cyclone season in recent years. Cyclone Idai in 2019 killed over 1,300 people across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, while Cyclone Freddy caused over 1,000 fatalities in 2022.
Experts attribute the increasing intensity of cyclones to climate change, which has made storms more powerful and destructive. Studies indicate that rising sea surface temperatures are fueling stronger winds and heavier rainfall during these tropical storms.
Health Risks and Environmental Concerns
According to Crisis24, Cyclone Chido may cause damaging flooding and landslides in its wake. In addition to physical destruction, stagnant water left behind could trigger outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and malaria, as seen after Cyclone Idai. Health officials and aid organizations are on alert to address potential public health crises.
Cyclone Preparedness Efforts
Governments and humanitarian agencies across the Indian Ocean region and southern Africa are ramping up preparations for Cyclone Chido:
- Emergency Supplies: Food, water, and medical kits are being distributed to affected areas.
- Evacuation Plans: Vulnerable communities in Madagascar and Mozambique are being relocated to safer zones.
- Global Support: France has mobilized additional resources to aid Mayotte, including search-and-rescue teams.
Conclusion
As Cyclone Chido barrels toward Africa’s east coast, the affected regions are on high alert. With robust preparations and international support, authorities are striving to mitigate the storm’s impact. However, the growing intensity and frequency of such cyclones serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and strengthen disaster resilience in vulnerable regions.
