Tropical Cyclone Chido has initiated a disruptive cyclone season in the Southwestern Indian Ocean, resulting in over 172 deaths and extensive damage across Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi. The follow-up Cyclone Dikeledi has further impacted already vulnerable areas. Continuous humanitarian aid is required, highlighting the importance of preparedness for future storms amid ongoing risks of flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has marked an impactful start to the 2024/2025 cyclone season in the Southwestern Indian Ocean, classified as a Category 4 cyclone with winds reaching 220 km/h. This cyclone, which formed on December 11, led to at least 172 deaths and injured over 6,300 individuals across affected regions including Mozambique, Mayotte, and Malawi. With estimates of more than 135,800 people affected, Chido’s aftermath continues to necessitate humanitarian efforts and preventive measures in Madagascar, particularly in evacuation and infrastructure restoration.
The cyclone primarily affected Madagascar, where significant infrastructural damage occurred, particularly in the Diana Region, leading to widespread displacement. The Malagasy Red Cross Society has been instrumental in issuing danger warnings and organizing community evacuations. In the Comoros, the government declared a week of mourning as Cyclone Chido devastated the islands, affecting over 64,000 individuals and damaging infrastructure, including schools and homes, hindering agricultural productivity amidst severe losses in crop yield.
In Mozambique, Cyclone Chido caused considerable displacement with 90,640 households impacted and over 104,000 damaged shelters reported across the Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. As agencies assess the damage, ongoing humanitarian efforts are critical to provide immediate support to affected individuals, especially as the rainy season intensifies and flooding becomes an imminent threat in the region.
Following Chido, Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall on January 11, 2025, affecting 7,000 people, damaging 1,000 homes, and disrupting schooling for 8,000 children in Madagascar. The cyclone then passed through Mozambique, further aggravating the situation by impacting vulnerable areas that had already suffered from Chido. Initial assessments reported significant home damages and the activation of early action measures in Nampula to safeguard communities.
Subsequently, February saw the development of Tropical Storms Honde and Garance, which affected southern Madagascar and La Réunion, respectively. The resultant flooding in these areas has been severe; in Madagascar alone, more than 2,800 individuals were displaced in February, while Malawi experienced flooding affecting over 40,000 households. Mozambique also faced rising river levels with potential flood threats, prompting anticipatory actions from local response teams.
The patterns of destruction caused by these cyclones emphasize the critical need for ongoing preparedness and resilience-building measures, especially as predictions indicate an above-average cyclone season. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is mobilizing resources to aid communities in recovery while reinforcing emergency response strategies for future disasters.
In summary, the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido and the subsequent Cyclone Dikeledi has highlighted urgent humanitarian needs across Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi. With significant loss of life and property, the region continues to experience adverse weather conditions exacerbating the crisis. Proactive measures and preparedness are vital for ensuring community resilience against future cyclones, with continued support from national and international relief organizations crucial in delivering aid and recovery efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
