Cyclone Chido Hits Mayotte: Understanding the Alert Levels
Mayotte is currently facing an unprecedented natural disaster as Cyclone Chido sweeps through the Indian Ocean archipelago. The situation has escalated to a purple alert, the highest level of cyclone warning, as declared by Météo France early Saturday morning. The cyclone is expected to bring extremely violent winds, with gusts potentially exceeding 200 km/h, prompting strict confinement measures for residents.
The president of the Mayotte departmental council, Ben Issa Ousseni, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Mayotte has never experienced such a situation." The cyclone's trajectory indicates that its eye will pass over the northern part of Mayotte between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., leading to a temporary lull in conditions before potentially devastating weather returns.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors, stock up on essential supplies, and avoid making unnecessary phone calls to preserve network capacity for emergency services. The prefecture has activated a Public Information Unit, and all emergency services are currently confined, unable to respond until the purple alert is lifted.
Emergency Measures and Community Response
As the cyclone approaches, the prefecture has implemented strict lockdown measures. Traffic has been banned on public roads, and Dzaoudzi airport has been closed since Friday evening. The Regional Health Agency has advised patients to refrain from traveling and to contact medical services only in emergencies.
With approximately one-third of Mayotte's population living in precarious housing, authorities have opened 71 accommodation centers to provide shelter for those in need. Local officials are actively working to ensure the safety of residents, including clearing roads of debris that could become projectiles in high winds.
The cyclone's impact is expected to be severe, with forecasts predicting heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Residents are advised to stay tuned to official communications for updates and instructions as the situation develops.
