Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: Hundreds Feared Dead
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, leading authorities to estimate that hundreds, possibly thousands, of residents may have lost their lives. The cyclone struck on Saturday, bringing winds exceeding 220 km/h, and has been described as the most destructive storm to hit the archipelago in over 90 years. Local governor François-Xavier Beauville indicated that the death toll could reach several hundred or even a few thousand, as many residents live in precarious housing that was largely destroyed by the storm.
The initial death toll reported by local authorities stands at 14, but this figure is expected to rise significantly as recovery efforts continue. The nature of the local Muslim customs, which dictate that the deceased are buried within 24 hours, complicates the ability to account for all casualties. Many families may have buried their loved ones without them being officially recorded, leading to an underestimation of the true impact of the cyclone.
Widespread Destruction and Humanitarian Crisis
The cyclone has left a significant portion of Mayotte's 320,000 inhabitants without basic necessities, as many homes, schools, and hospitals were severely damaged. Reports indicate that approximately one-third of the population lives in fragile housing, which was particularly vulnerable to the storm's intensity. In Mamoudzou, the largest city, the local mayor confirmed that the cyclone had devastated infrastructure, affecting essential services such as electricity and water supply.
The French government has mobilized resources to assist in the recovery efforts, with 160 members of civil security and emergency services set to be deployed to the island. The French Interior Ministry acknowledged the challenges in assessing the full extent of the disaster, emphasizing that many areas remain isolated due to blocked roads and downed power lines.
Cyclone's Path and Regional Impact
After impacting Mayotte, Cyclone Chido has moved towards northern Mozambique, where it continues to pose threats with reported wind speeds of up to 240 km/h. The storm has already caused significant damage in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, affecting homes, schools, and health facilities, with the local power grid reportedly collapsing, hindering rescue operations.
As the situation unfolds, President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the residents of Mayotte, acknowledging the severe losses they have endured. The full impact of Cyclone Chido is still being assessed, and recovery efforts will be crucial in the coming days as the affected communities begin to rebuild their lives.
