Cyclone Chido Leaves Chaos in Its Wake Across Africa

Cyclone Chido, the fiercest storm to strike the Indian Ocean in nearly a century, has wreaked havoc on the island of Mayotte and Mozambique.

Winds exceeding 225 km/h levelled neighbourhoods, uprooted trees, and destroyed infrastructure in Mayotte, France’s poorest overseas territory on Saturday, 14 December.

Officials fear the death toll, currently at 11, could rise to thousands as rescue teams confront devastated roads, damaged airports, and power outages.

Mayotte’s undocumented migrant population of over 100 000 has been disproportionately affected, with many too afraid to seek help. French aid, including troops and emergency supplies, has begun arriving, but clean water, electricity, and shelter remain scarce.

The storm later barrelled into Mozambique, damaging homes, schools, and hospitals in Cabo Delgado province. Aid agencies warn of worsening conditions, including potential outbreaks of cholera and malaria.

Cyclone Chido is the latest in a string of powerful storms linked to climate change, highlighting the vulnerability of impoverished nations to disasters intensified by global warming. With storm seasons growing fiercer, these countries are calling on wealthier nations to step up support in addressing the escalating climate crisis.

Southern Africa braces for more storms as the cyclone season continues.

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