The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are bracing for Cyclone Chido, an intense tropical storm set to wreak havoc as it moves toward Africa’s east coast. With heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for devastating flooding, authorities across the region have launched emergency measures to prepare for the storm’s impact.
Comoros: Schools Closed as Storm Approaches
Comoros, a small archipelago, has ordered all schools to close in anticipation of Cyclone Chido’s arrival early Saturday. The storm is expected to pass near the northern tip of Madagascar before reaching Comoros.
Mayotte on Red Alert
The French territory of Mayotte, located south of Comoros, has been placed on red alert—the highest warning level—by the French national weather service. Red alert status began Friday night as authorities prepared for potentially catastrophic effects.
To bolster preparedness, the French government has dispatched 110 emergency personnel, including search-and-rescue teams, firefighters from nearby Reunion, and three tons of emergency equipment. This includes search dogs and tools for rubble rescue, according to Col. Frédéric Leguillier, head of Mayotte’s fire and rescue service.
Madagascar Issues Warnings and Evacuations
In Madagascar, officials have been sending alerts via mobile phones and radio broadcasts, urging residents to take precautions. The northern Diana region is expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone’s impact, with nearly 20,000 people at risk.
Evacuations began earlier this week, and authorities have been delivering essential supplies such as food, water pumps, generators, and chainsaws to the affected areas since Tuesday. The government has also issued imminent danger warnings for residents in high-risk zones.
Mozambique Prepares for Landfall
Cyclone Chido is expected to make landfall on the African mainland early Sunday, bringing winds of up to 200 kph (124 mph) to Mozambique’s northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. The Mozambique National Meteorological Institute issued a red alert, warning that over 2.5 million people could be affected.
Ana Cristina, director of the National Emergency Operations Center, stated that preparations are underway to provide rescue and relief to the most vulnerable populations.
Wider Impact Across Southern Africa
Even landlocked Zimbabwe is expected to feel the effects of Cyclone Chido, with officials warning of potential flooding and disruptions. The storm’s reach highlights the far-reaching consequences of extreme weather events in the region.
Cyclone Season and the Climate Change Connection
The cyclone season in the Indian Ocean typically lasts from December to March. In recent years, the region has experienced increasingly severe storms. Cyclone Idai in 2019 left over 1,300 people dead across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, while Cyclone Freddy in 2022 caused more than 1,000 fatalities in multiple countries.
Studies indicate that climate change is intensifying these storms, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and greater destruction.
Health Risks and Long-Term Concerns
Crisis24, a risk management company, warned that Cyclone Chido could result in damaging flooding and landslides, potentially creating stagnant water that may lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and malaria—similar to the aftermath of Cyclone Idai.
Call for Resilience and Preparedness
As Cyclone Chido bears down on the region, the coordinated efforts of governments, emergency services, and international partners are critical. This storm serves as a stark reminder of the growing urgency to address climate resilience and implement long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
Communities across the Indian Ocean and southern Africa remain on high alert, bracing for the storm’s imminent arrival.
