Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: Hundreds Feared Dead
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on the Mayotte archipelago, leaving local authorities fearing that hundreds, if not thousands, may have lost their lives. The cyclone struck with wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville reported that as of now, there are no confirmed fatalities, but he estimates that several hundred people may have died due to the storm's impact. Over 250 individuals have been reported injured, and thousands are without electricity as the region grapples with the aftermath of the cyclone.
The French overseas territory, located in the Indian Ocean, has not experienced such destructive weather in nearly 90 years. The cyclone's destruction has left many residents homeless, with the acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stating that all precarious housing has been destroyed. Emergency shelters have been set up for around 10,000 displaced individuals, while aid flights have begun arriving from the mainland to assist those in need. President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences during a meeting with Pope Francis, highlighting the dire situation faced by the residents of Mayotte.
Miss Mayotte's Concern Amid Cyclone Chaos
As Mayotte faces the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, Miss Mayotte, Zaya Toumbou, is participating in the Miss France election from Futuroscope, far from her devastated homeland. Despite the chaos back home, she remains focused on the competition while being kept informed about the situation on the island. Her family is still in Mayotte, and she is deeply concerned about their safety and the overall impact of the cyclone on her community.
The cyclone has disrupted plans for a fan zone to watch the Miss France election, as the majority of the island is currently without electricity. This has raised questions about how many will be able to follow the event or support Zaya in the competition. While she prepares for the pageant, she has expressed a desire to acknowledge the struggles of her island if she reaches the finals. The situation remains tense as the island continues to recover from the cyclone's devastating effects.
