Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Leaving 14 Dead
Cyclone Chido struck the French archipelago of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean on Saturday, December 14, 2024, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and extensive damage across the region. The cyclone, described as the most violent to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, produced winds exceeding 220 km/h, leading to the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals. Mayor Abdul Wahid Soumaila reported that nine individuals were seriously injured, while 246 others sustained moderate injuries. The cyclone has left a significant portion of Mayotte's population, estimated at 320,000, without access to water and electricity, exacerbating the challenges faced by those living in precarious housing.
Humanitarian Response and Relief Efforts
In response to the disaster, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced that 160 members of civil security, ambulance, and fire services would be dispatched from France to assist the 110 personnel already on the ground. Relief efforts commenced with the arrival of a Civil Security plane carrying three tonnes of medical supplies and 17 medical personnel from La Réunion. The situation remains dire, as many residents are still isolated and without shelter, with reports indicating that entire shanty towns have been razed. The government is working to assess the full extent of the damage, which is expected to take several days due to the scale of destruction.
Cyclone Chido's Path to Mozambique
After wreaking havoc in Mayotte, Cyclone Chido continued its trajectory towards Mozambique, making landfall near the city of Pemba early Sunday morning. The cyclone has intensified, bringing strong winds and heavy rains, with meteorological services warning of potential thunderstorms and gusts up to 260 km/h. UNICEF has mobilized to assist those affected in Mozambique, where extensive damage to homes, schools, and health facilities has already been reported. While the Comoros Islands experienced minor damage, the agricultural sector was notably impacted, raising concerns about future food security. As the cyclone moves inland, it is expected to dissipate over the southern African interior by Tuesday.
