Cyclone Chido Inflicts Severe Damage on Mayotte: A Community in Crisis

Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic damage in Mayotte, particularly in shantytowns, leading to fatalities and widespread destruction. Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila reported casualties, while Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville indicated that entire neighborhoods have been leveled. With wind speeds surpassing 220 km/h, the region faces significant challenges in recovery.

Cyclone Chido wreaked catastrophic destruction in the Mayotte archipelago, particularly affecting the island of Grande-Terre. Early on the morning of Saturday, December 14, the cyclone’s eye struck, leading to significant devastation. Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, the mayor of the capital Mamoudzou, reported that two fatalities occurred in the shantytown of Kawéni due to falling furniture. Officials express concern that the actual number of casualties could be substantially higher. \n\nFrançois-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, conveyed the deplorable situation in a press release, stating, “Many Mahorais have lost everything.” He further emphasized that entire neighborhoods had been obliterated, and due to ongoing severe weather, it remains challenging to determine the full extent of injuries and fatalities. The mayor described that shantytowns around Mamoudzou were “swept away like crumbs.” Given that tin huts constitute approximately one-third of housing in the region, the impact of Cyclone Chido has been particularly severe. With wind gusts exceeding 220 km/h, many concrete structures were also compromised, as roofs were torn off and windows shattered. Additionally, numerous trees were uprooted, obstructing critical traffic routes and complicating recovery efforts.

The devastation of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte highlights the vulnerabilities faced by this region, which is designated as a department of France but exhibits some of the poorest living conditions. Many residents inhabit makeshift tin huts that are highly susceptible to severe weather events, leading to dire humanitarian consequences in times of natural disaster. The response to such crises is complicated by the region’s geographic isolation and limited resources, which can impede the delivery of necessary aid and infrastructural support following disasters, such as Cyclone Chido.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has caused severe destruction in Mayotte, with numerous fatalities and enormous property loss, particularly affecting shantytowns. Local authorities are grappling with the aftermath of the cyclone and are concerned that the toll may rise as assessments continue. The plight of the residents underscores the need for improved housing infrastructure and disaster preparedness in this vulnerable region.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr