The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are bracing for the arrival of Cyclone Chido, an intense tropical storm threatening to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread disruption as it barrels toward Africa’s east coast. The storm is expected to affect millions across the region, with authorities taking urgent measures to mitigate its impact.
Comoros Prepares for Cyclone Chido’s Landfall
Comoros, a small archipelago, has ordered schools to close as Cyclone Chido is expected to hit early Saturday. The northern tip of Madagascar will also feel the effects of the storm before it moves toward Comoros.
Mayotte, a French overseas territory located south of Comoros, has been placed on red alert by the French national weather service starting Friday night. The alert indicates the highest level of danger as the island braces for significant damage.
Mozambique Issues Red Alert
On the African mainland, Mozambique’s northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula are under red alert, with officials estimating that more than 2 million people could be affected when Chido makes landfall early Sunday.
According to the Mozambique National Meteorological Institute, the cyclone is forecast to bring winds of up to 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph), posing significant risks of flooding and destruction.
Ana Cristina, the director of Mozambique’s National Emergency Operations Center, reported that an estimated 2.5 million people in the region may require rescue efforts and humanitarian assistance.
Madagascar Takes Precautions
In Madagascar, authorities have been issuing warnings since Thursday via cellphones and radio broadcasts, urging residents in the northern Diana region to take precautions. Some evacuations have already begun in the area, which is expected to bear the brunt of the storm.
Nearly 20,000 people in Diana could be directly affected, prompting authorities to deliver food supplies and emergency equipment such as water pumps, generators, and chainsaws to the region.
France Mobilizes Support for Mayotte
The French government is deploying approximately 110 personnel, including emergency workers and firefighters from nearby Reunion, to assist in Mayotte. A shipment of three tons of emergency supplies, including rescue dogs and equipment to search for people trapped in rubble, has also been sent to the island.
Col. Frédéric Leguillier, head of Mayotte’s fire and rescue service, told local media that the resources are aimed at helping the island cope with the expected damage.
Cyclone Chido’s Potential Impact and Historical Context
Cyclone Chido is the latest storm to strike the Indian Ocean during the December-to-March cyclone season, a period marked by frequent and increasingly severe tropical storms.
The region has suffered devastating cyclones in recent years, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, which killed over 1,300 people across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, and Cyclone Freddy in 2022, which left more than 1,000 dead.
Scientists attribute the increasing intensity of cyclones in the region to climate change, which has fueled warmer ocean temperatures and more severe weather patterns.
Health Risks and Aftermath Concerns
Crisis24, a risk management firm, warns that Cyclone Chido could cause damaging flooding and landslides, leading to stagnant water that may spark outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and malaria. These risks are similar to those observed in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai.
Looking Ahead
With Cyclone Chido bearing down on the Indian Ocean islands and East Africa, regional authorities and international partners are mobilizing resources to mitigate the storm’s impact. The situation underscores the urgent need for greater climate resilience as communities face increasingly severe weather events.
