Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: 14 Lives Lost and Infrastructure in Ruins

Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in at least 14 confirmed fatalities in Mayotte, with substantial damage reported. Over 240 individuals have been injured, and critical infrastructure, including the Mamoudzou airport, has been severely affected. The French government is deploying military personnel and humanitarian aid to assist in the recovery efforts.

On December 15, tragic reports emerged from Mayotte, a French archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean, revealing that Tropical Cyclone Chido has claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals, according to local officials. This cyclone, characterized as the most devastating storm to affect the islands since 1934, has left nine people in critical condition and injured 246 others as the storm’s aftermath is assessed.

The cyclone generated winds reaching up to 220 km per hour, causing extensive destruction across the islands, with the capital, Mamoudzou, suffering significant damage. Authorities anticipate that the death toll may rise as emergency teams begin their operations in slums and precarious residential areas, which are home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants. Reports indicate that these areas have been nearly destroyed by the cyclone’s impact, resulting in many residents remaining unaccounted for.

Furthermore, critical infrastructure has sustained severe damage, including most thoroughfares and the international airport located in Mamoudzou. The airport’s control tower has become non-operational, leading to widespread power outages and a severe shortage of drinking water throughout the region. In response to this disaster, the French government has mobilized an initial group of 140 military personnel and rescue firefighters from mainland France, with intentions to augment the contingent to 800 members. Additionally, a military A400M transport aircraft has been dispatched to deliver essential humanitarian aid to alleviate urgent needs in the archipelago.

Cyclone Chido’s emergence has spotlighted Mayotte’s vulnerability to severe weather events, particularly given its geographical position in the Indian Ocean. Over the decades, the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones in the region have become a growing concern. The devastating impact of Cyclone Chido not only underscores the immediate human toll but also raises questions regarding infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in the face of natural disasters. Local authorities are now focused on recovery efforts, further emphasizing the need for robust disaster response mechanisms to better protect the island’s approximately 300,000 residents.

In summary, the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in a tragic loss of life and widespread destruction across Mayotte. With a rising death toll and significant damage to infrastructure, local and national authorities face immense challenges in recovery and aid deployment. The French government’s rapid military response is critical, yet it highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and recovery strategies in the region.

Original Source: efe.com