Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Leaving Thousands in Crisis

Cyclone Chido has struck Mayotte, causing catastrophic damage and prompting a red alert. Emergency services have been mobilized, and urgent assessments are underway. Thousands of homes lack power, and there are road restrictions as the storm impacts communication and infrastructure.

Cyclone Chido has caused severe devastation in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, as reported by Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville, placing the island on high alert. Although the alert level has been downgraded from violet to red, Bieuville emphasized that the cyclone is still active and urged residents to stay confined and united. This cyclone is considered the most destructive to hit the archipelago in nearly nine decades, with many residents facing complete loss of property.

The situation in Mayotte has escalated to a critical point, as the outgoing interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, stated on X that damages are extensive, and emergency services are fully mobilized. Two groups of civil security personnel and firefighters are being deployed to assist those affected. Efforts are underway to assess damages to vital infrastructure, including hospitals and airports, with public security measures being enforced to prevent looting as the assessment phase commences.

Météo France has reported wind gusts reaching 226 kilometers per hour at Pamandzi airport, although conditions are expected to improve as Chido moves away. The cyclone’s eye passed over northern Mayotte in the morning, now progressing towards Mozambique, leaving heavy winds and rainfall in its wake. Thousands of homes have lost power, and emergency services are struggling to communicate due to disrupted mobile phone service.

Restrictions have been placed on road traffic, and Dzaoudzi airport has been closed due to the storm. Prime Minister François Bayrou and President Emmanuel Macron are monitoring the situation closely, with Macron expressing solidarity with the residents and assuring them of government support during this urgent crisis.

Mayotte, an overseas department of France, is situated in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique. The island is vulnerable to severe weather events, including cyclones. Cyclone Chido is the latest in a long history of storms impacting this region, which often results in extensive damage to infrastructure and homes. This cyclone has been characterized as particularly violent, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of its residents.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted catastrophic damage on Mayotte, prompting the government to declare a red alert and mobilize emergency services. The swift response from state and local authorities highlights the urgency of the situation as they work to assess the extent of the damage and protect residents. With over 15,000 homes affected and significant infrastructure at risk, ongoing government support and effective communication are crucial as recovery efforts commence.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr