Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Madagascar, and Mozambique: Global Support in the Aftermath
Cyclone Chido, hit Mayotte on 14 Decembe with wind speeds of more than 200 km per hour, and gusts of more than 225 km/h. A powerful category 4 storm, wreaked havoc across the southwestern Indian Ocean over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction in Mayotte, Madagascar, and Mozambique. The cyclone made landfall with winds exceeding 220 km/h (136 mph), marking it as the strongest storm to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, according to weather authorities.
As the storm intensified, it slammed into Mayotte, a French overseas department, before continuing its path through Mozambique. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday for India’s support in the wake of the cyclone’s devastating impact. The collaboration between the two nations is a testament to the strength of international solidarity in times of crisis.
The Path of Cyclone Chido
Cyclone Chido first made its way across northern Madagascar, causing widespread damage, before moving towards Mayotte. The storm’s strength increased rapidly as it approached the island, with winds topping 220 km/h. The devastation was severe, with homes, infrastructure, and vital services being disrupted. The cyclone was the strongest to hit Mayotte in over nine decades, according to Meteo-France.
After hitting Mayotte, Cyclone Chido continued its destructive path toward northern Mozambique, where it caused significant flooding, property damage, and power outages. However, by this point, the storm had weakened, though it still left a trail of destruction behind it.
Mayotte and Madagascar Hit Hardest
For Mayotte, Cyclone Chido’s fury was particularly devastating. The French island, situated in the Indian Ocean, had not seen such a strong storm in more than 90 years. Meteo-France confirmed that the cyclone’s intense winds and torrential rains led to widespread flooding, structural damage, and power loss. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed, with relief efforts aimed at providing food, shelter, and medical assistance to those affected.
In Madagascar, the cyclone also caused significant damage, particularly in northern regions. The country, which has faced several cyclones in the past, still struggled to cope with the intensity of Chido, with many areas left without power and essential services.
Mozambique Faces Severe Flooding
Though Chido had weakened by the time it reached Mozambique, the storm still triggered substantial flooding, particularly along the coastal areas. Northern Mozambique faced widespread damage as the heavy rains flooded rivers and caused landslides, impacting communities and local infrastructure. While the worst of the storm was over, emergency teams were left to manage the aftermath and provide much-needed relief to the affected areas.
International Support and Solidarity
In a display of international solidarity, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s support in the aftermath of the devastating cyclone. India, which has long been a key partner in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts across the world, extended help to Mayotte and other affected regions. The response from both nations underscores the importance of global cooperation in times of crisis.
A Wake-Up Call for Climate Action
Cyclone Chido serves as a stark reminder of the growing intensity of natural disasters around the world. Experts are increasingly linking the frequency and strength of such storms to climate change, with rising ocean temperatures fueling more powerful cyclones. The storm’s path of destruction highlights the vulnerability of small island nations and coastal regions to extreme weather events, raising important questions about resilience and preparedness.
