Cyclone Chido Causes Tragedy in Mayotte: 11 Confirmed Dead and Hundreds Injured

Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, killing 11 and injuring hundreds. It caused extensive damage, leaving over 15,000 homes without power. The French government is responding with emergency personnel and support to aid recovery efforts in the wake of this historic disaster.

Tropical Cyclone Chido, the most severe storm to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, has tragically claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals and injured hundreds more. The cyclone devastated the French archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, causing significant infrastructural damage, including widespread power outages affecting over 15,000 households. The storms brought winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, resulting in the destruction of roofs, uprooted trees, and flattened neighborhoods. Emergency services are currently overwhelmed as they assess the extent of the damage and deal with rising casualties from this natural disaster.

The French Interior Ministry has indicated that the precise number of casualties remains uncertain, primarily due to cultural practices surrounding burial that complicate reporting. Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau acknowledged the grim reality of the situation, explaining that, “the toll…is going to be complicated, because Mayotte is a Muslim land where the dead are buried within 24 hours.” Amidst ongoing rescue efforts, the government is deploying additional personnel to assist in recovery operations, as destruction was reported not only in Mayotte but also in adjacent islands of Comoros and Madagascar.

The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has disrupted the lives of Mayotte’s residents in profound ways, underscoring the island’s ongoing socio-economic vulnerabilities. This latest disaster follows a series of cyclones affecting the region, raising alarms over the preparedness and resilience of local infrastructure. With food and basic necessities at risk due to destroyed facilities, humanitarian agencies like UNICEF are mobilizing efforts to ensure that essential services remain operational for those affected. The region is preparing for further threats as Cyclone Chido continues its path towards mainland Africa, where millions may be impacted by its residual effects.

Cyclone Chido’s impact on Mayotte marks a significant climatic event for the region, as it is the first cyclone of such intensity to occur in 90 years. The archipelago, which is part of France but geographically located near Africa, has long faced socio-economic challenges, including underinvestment and infrastructural deficits. This cyclone is part of a troubling pattern of severe weather events in the Indian Ocean, highlighted by previous cyclones that have devastated surrounding areas, raising concerns for future disaster preparedness and response.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has resulted in considerable fatalities and injuries, marking a historic disaster for Mayotte. The storm’s destruction has prompted a coordinated response from the French government and humanitarian organizations, reflecting the urgent need to support recovery efforts. With ongoing risks of further cyclonic activity in the region, the situation remains dire as authorities strive to provide assistance and restore normalcy.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au