Comoros Declares Mourning as Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte

Cyclone Chido has caused devastation in Mayotte, prompting Comoros to declare a week of mourning. The storm is regarded as the worst in 90 years, leaving the population vulnerable and in dire need of aid. Rescue operations are ongoing, though the exact casualty figures remain unclear, exacerbated by significant infrastructural damage and a high number of undocumented migrants.

Comoros has declared a week of national mourning following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in the neighboring island of Mayotte, which is anticipated to have resulted in several hundred fatalities. The storm, which struck with winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, is reported to be the most severe cyclone to impact Mayotte in nearly a century. Damage to infrastructure has been significant, particularly affecting shantytowns populated predominantly by Comoran immigrants.

Infrastructure across Mayotte has suffered extensive destruction, leaving many without electricity or communication, and the main hospital has been severely damaged. The precarious living conditions in shantytowns are likely to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, with authorities expressing concern over dwindling supplies of drinking water. Reports indicate that hunger is becoming prevalent among displaced residents, with the local senator emphasizing the urgency of delivering aid to those in dire need.

Efforts for rescue and recovery are underway, with the French government deploying military resources to assist Mayotte. Nonetheless, officials caution that accurately assessing the death toll may prove challenging, especially as residents traditionally bury their deceased swiftly according to Muslim customs. Furthermore, many undocumented immigrants residing in Mayotte pose additional difficulties in tracking the overall impact of the cyclone.

The cyclone Chido is classified as a category four storm, the second highest on the scale, and has struck Mayotte, an island that opted to remain a French territory during its independence from Comoros. With significant portions of the population living in makeshift homes, the impact of such a severe storm has been catastrophic. Notably, many Comorans migrate to Mayotte illegally, which complicates the assessment of the island’s demographics and the subsequent humanitarian response.

In conclusion, the calamity wrought by Cyclone Chido highlights the vulnerability of Mayotte’s infrastructure and population, particularly in impoverished regions. The need for immediate humanitarian assistance is urgent as local authorities grapple with the aftermath of this disaster. With many casualties feared and countless individuals in desperate conditions, coordinated efforts from France and its territories remain critical in addressing the immediate needs of affected residents.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com