The article focuses on the devastation caused by cyclone Chido in Comoros and the subsequent response by authorities and international partners. It highlights the challenges faced by the vulnerable population reliant on agriculture, the operational success of the REPAIR program, and future plans for climate resilience. The article emphasizes the importance of preparedness and collaboration in disaster response efforts.
The aftermath of tropical cyclone Chido, which struck Comoros on December 14, 2024, left significant devastation in its wake. Chief Ali Athoumane recounted the destruction, noting that many homes were completely lost, revealing only bare land. The cyclone first hit Mayotte, then affected the islands of Anjouan and Mohéli with floods, landslides, and widespread blackouts, displacing many families, especially small farmers relying on subsistence agriculture, and severely damaging crops.
Comoros, situated in the Indian Ocean, is among the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, with over half of its population—54.2%—living in high-risk areas susceptible to natural disasters. Climate change has exacerbated the frequency and intensity of disasters in this region, resulting in disruptions to lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure, often undoing hard-won development advances in impoverished communities.
In response to the cyclone, Comorian authorities, backed by the World Bank, quickly mobilized emergency relief to support affected families. Their effective response was made possible by an established emergency response system refined through previous disaster experiences. This timely support included food, water, shelter, and emergency kits to those impacted.
In September 2024, Comoros, alongside Madagascar and Mozambique, joined the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery Program (REPAIR), a collaborative climate risk fund initiated through a partnership with African Risk Capacity Limited and the World Bank. Funded primarily by a $926 million allocation from the International Development Association and others, the program strengthens financial preparedness for disaster responses and facilitates timely aid delivery to affected populations in 12 African countries.
Comoros’s activation of the REPAIR program during an emergency highlighted the principal factor of timely assistance alongside funding. The successful coordination between various government ministries, civil agencies, and communities was crucial for efficiently delivering aid to households and farmers, essential for economic recovery. As Country Manager for Comoros, Boubacar-Sid observed the effective deployment of help, citing preparedness as vital for saving lives.
Looking forward, Comoros is leveraging its experiences from REPAIR to enhance its climate resilience and contingency planning efforts in collaboration with ARC Ltd. This March, the country plans to share its lessons learned with nine other African nations at a regional disaster risk finance workshop in South Africa, aiming to foster enhanced climate adaptation strategies across the continent.
While the path ahead poses challenges, today’s actions are shaping a future where resilience is essential for vulnerable nations. Through collective efforts, innovation, and dedication to climate justice, African countries can ensure that communities are better equipped to face future natural disasters, avoiding solitary recovery efforts.
Tropical cyclone Chido severely impacted the Comoros, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters. A rapid response by authorities, supported by international funds through the REPAIR program, demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated disaster management. As Comoros invests in resilience and shares its experiences with other countries, it aims to enhance preparedness and collaborative strategies to ensure communities are not left to rebuild alone when disaster strikes again.
Original Source: www.worldbank.org
