Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte and Mozambique
Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, wreaked havoc on the archipelago on December 14, 2024, with wind gusts exceeding 220 km/h. The cyclone has left approximately a third of Mayotte's population living in precarious conditions, with widespread destruction reported across the islands. Authorities are bracing for a significant loss of life, estimating 'several hundred' deaths as rescue operations commence.
In response to the disaster, an air and sea bridge has been established from La Réunion, a French territory located 1,400 km away, to deliver essential medical and rescue supplies. The French government is deploying 800 civil security personnel, along with a field hospital and satellite communication equipment. Patrice Latron, the prefect of La Réunion, emphasized the importance of maintaining public order and ensuring access to water and supplies during this crisis.
The aftermath of the cyclone has revealed scenes of devastation, with destroyed homes, uprooted trees, and downed power lines. Many residents, who were confined during the storm, are now facing dire conditions, including hunger and thirst. Reports of looting have emerged, prompting the mobilization of 1,600 police and gendarmes to maintain order and prevent further chaos.
Mozambique Faces Cyclone Chido's Wrath
As Cyclone Chido moved away from Mayotte, it made landfall in Mozambique on December 15, 2024, bringing with it heavy rains and winds that have already resulted in at least 14 fatalities in Mayotte. The cyclone intensified as it crossed the Mozambique Channel, impacting the northern city of Pemba with gusts potentially reaching 260 km/h. The National Institute of Meteorology in Mozambique reported a communication blackout with Pemba since early morning, indicating severe conditions.
UNICEF has mobilized resources to assist those affected in Mozambique, where countless homes, schools, and health facilities have been damaged. The storm is expected to bring over 250 mm of rain within 24 hours, exacerbating the situation in already vulnerable regions. Fortunately, the Comoros Islands, which were initially on high alert, reported minor damage, primarily to agriculture, as the cyclone accelerated towards Mozambique, avoiding the worst-case scenario for the islands.
As recovery efforts begin in both Mayotte and Mozambique, the focus remains on delivering immediate aid and assessing the full extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Chido.
