Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: A Wake-Up Call on Climate-Driven Storms
Cyclone Chido has left a trail of destruction in Mayotte, the French Indian Ocean territory, claiming at least 14 lives and displacing thousands. This fierce cyclone, with gusts reaching 226 km/h, ravaged the archipelago, leaving homes destroyed, hospitals damaged, and basic utilities such as electricity and water disrupted. Officials caution that the full toll may take days to assess due to the region's limited communication infrastructure.
Mayotte’s 320,000 residents were ordered into lockdown as the cyclone approached. Shantytowns housing a third of the population were decimated, with sheet-metal roofs and walls torn away. Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau highlighted the cyclone's devastating impact on the impoverished region, describing scenes of complete devastation. The Pamandzi airport, crucial for emergency operations, sustained severe damage, further hampering rescue efforts. Medical teams, soldiers, and supplies are being flown in, but recovery remains a monumental challenge.
Cyclone Chido's strength was fueled by unusually warm waters in the Indian Ocean, a pattern increasingly linked to climate change. Experts warn of more frequent and intense storms as global temperatures rise. This cyclone follows in the wake of similar catastrophic storms, such as Cyclones Freddy and Gombe, which collectively claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
As the cyclone moved northwest, the Comoros Islands and Mozambique faced its wrath. While Comoros experienced minor damage, Mozambique reported severe rain and winds, cutting off communication in Pemba, a northern city. UNICEF and other organizations are mobilizing resources to provide critical aid, including the restoration of health services and emergency supplies. Neighboring countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia have been put on alert, with the potential for flash floods as remnants of the cyclone bring heavy rainfall.
Cyclone Chido underscores the urgent need for global action to combat climate change and invest in resilient infrastructure for vulnerable regions. While Mayotte rebuilds, the world watches, reminded of the growing threats posed by a warming planet.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com