Indian Ocean Islands Brace for Cyclone Chido’s Impact
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The islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte, situated in the Indian Ocean, are gearing up for Cyclone Chido, a formidable tropical storm heading towards Africa’s eastern coast. In preparation, Comoros authorities have closed schools, expecting the cyclone to arrive early Saturday morning. Chido is predicted to pass close to northern Madagascar before landfall.
Mayotte, a French-administered region south of Comoros, is also in Cyclone Chido’s path. Consequently, the French National Weather Service has issued a red alert, the highest warning level, effective Friday night, urging residents to take necessary precautions.
On the African mainland, Mozambique has declared a red alert for its northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, anticipating significant impacts from Chido when it makes landfall early Sunday morning. The Mozambique National Meteorological Institute has warned of winds potentially reaching 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour), with expectations of substantial damage.
In Madagascar, serious precautions are being taken, with alerts disseminated via cell phones and local radio stations since Thursday. Evacuations are underway in the northern Diana region, anticipated to be most affected by the cyclone. Officials have warned of immediate danger, estimating that nearly 20,000 people could be directly impacted. Authorities are distributing essential supplies, including food, water pumps, generators, and chainsaws, to aid in preparation.
In anticipation of the storm, the French government is sending around 110 personnel to Mayotte, including emergency responders from mainland France and firefighters from nearby Reunion, along with about three tons of emergency supplies. Equipment includes search dogs and rescue operation specialists, highlighted by Col. Frédéric Leguillier, head of Mayotte’s fire and rescue service.
Cyclone season in this region typically spans December to March, with recent years seeing particularly strong storms from the Indian Ocean. Notable past cyclones, like Idai in 2019 and Freddy last year, caused significant loss of life. Research indicates increasing cyclone intensity and frequency due to climate change, raising concerns among experts and residents.
Crisis24, a risk management firm, has warned that Cyclone Chido might trigger catastrophic flooding and landslides. The stagnation of water post-storm poses significant health risks, potentially causing outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, similar to those seen after Cyclone Idai, and increases in diseases like dengue fever and malaria.
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