The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are on high alert as Cyclone Chido, an intense tropical storm, moves toward Africa’s east coast. Authorities across the region are implementing precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impact of the cyclone, which is forecasted to bring devastating winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding.
Comoros Prepares for Cyclone Chido’s Arrival
In Comoros, schools have been closed as authorities anticipate the cyclone’s arrival early Saturday. The small archipelago faces the immediate threat of strong winds and torrential rains. Chido is expected to pass the northern tip of Madagascar before hitting Comoros.
Mayotte on Red Alert
The French territory of Mayotte, located south of Comoros, has been placed under a red alert—its highest warning level—by the French national weather service. Preparations have intensified as the storm is predicted to strike the island on Friday night.
To assist Mayotte, the French government is deploying 110 emergency responders, including firefighters from Reunion and specialists in search-and-rescue operations. Three tons of emergency equipment, including search dogs, have been sent to support relief efforts.
Madagascar’s Northern Region Braces for Impact
Madagascar is issuing widespread warnings through cellphones and radio broadcasts. In the northern Diana region, where Chido is expected to hit hardest, evacuations are underway, with nearly 20,000 people at risk.
Since Tuesday, Madagascar’s authorities have been delivering essential supplies to the region, including food, water pumps, generators, and chainsaws, in preparation for the cyclone’s arrival.
Mozambique Anticipates Severe Landfall
On the African mainland, Mozambique is bracing for Chido’s landfall, expected early Sunday in the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. The Mozambique National Meteorological Institute has forecasted wind speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph).
“We estimate that approximately 2.5 million people in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula may be affected and require rescue operations,” said Ana Cristina, director of the National Emergency Operations Center.
Regional Impact Extends to Zimbabwe
Even landlocked Zimbabwe is expected to experience the effects of Cyclone Chido, with officials warning of potential disruptions due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
Cyclone Chido Highlights Climate Change Concerns
Cyclone Chido comes during the December-to-March cyclone season, which has seen increasingly intense storms in recent years. Notable examples include Cyclone Idai in 2019, which claimed over 1,300 lives across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, and Cyclone Freddy in 2022, which left over 1,000 people dead.
Climate experts suggest that warming ocean temperatures and changing weather patterns are intensifying tropical cyclones, making them more destructive.
Risks Beyond the Storm
According to Crisis24, a risk management firm, Cyclone Chido poses the danger of severe flooding and landslides. Stagnant water from the floods could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and malaria, as witnessed in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai.
A Call for Resilience
As Cyclone Chido approaches, the affected regions are ramping up emergency responses, deploying resources, and issuing warnings to safeguard communities. The storm underscores the growing need for climate resilience and preparedness as the frequency and intensity of cyclones continue to rise.
For residents in the path of Cyclone Chido, taking precautions and staying informed is crucial to weathering the storm safely.
