Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: Impact and Aftermath

Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, causing extensive destruction and leaving an estimated 70% of the population severely affected. Satellite images reveal significant damage to infrastructure, with over 19,000 buildings and 105 kilometers of roads impacted. The French government fears that fatalities may reach hundreds, highlighting the cyclone’s devastating human toll.

Four days post-tropical cyclone Chido’s landfall on December 14, the French government remains uncertain regarding the human toll in Mayotte, with concerns that fatalities may soar into the hundreds. Satellite imagery released by space technology firm Maxar via Agence France-Presse, taken on December 16, reveals a harrowing degree of devastation across the territory.

In Mamoudzou, the capital city perched on Grande-Terre Island, the majority of structures succumbed to winds that Météo-France recorded at over 180 km/h, with gusts nearing 250 km/h. The industrial zones in the city’s northern sector, characterized by sturdier buildings, endured comparatively better but still sustained major damage.

The cyclone wreaked havoc along the east coast, where the marina, situated along Route Nationale No. 2, was entirely obliterated by the tempest and subsequent marine submersion. The island of Petite-Terre, which includes Dzaoudzi and Pamandzi, experienced equally severe destruction, being the first region to be impacted by the cyclone. Moreover, the port of Dzaoudzi’s infrastructure suffered significant damages as well.

According to estimates from the Interior Ministry, approximately 70% of Mayotte’s population has experienced grave impacts due to the cyclone. An evaluation by the emergency service of the European Copernicus program indicates that over 19,000 structures and 105 kilometers of roadway have been adversely affected or entirely destroyed by this natural disaster.

Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, a French overseas territory situated in the Indian Ocean, on December 14, 2023. The event marked a significant meteorological disaster for the region, leading to widespread destruction, particularly to infrastructure and residential buildings. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by island territories in extreme weather conditions, as well as the urgent need for disaster preparedness and recovery strategies. The cyclone’s aftermath not only concerns the physical destruction but also the potential humanitarian crises that may ensue as the local population copes with the ramifications of the disaster.

In conclusion, tropical cyclone Chido has left a profound impact on Mayotte, with the destruction of extensive infrastructure and a looming humanitarian crisis. The French government’s ongoing assessment reveals the potential for significant human casualties, alongside substantial property loss. The urgency for recovery efforts and the implementation of effective support systems for the affected population cannot be overstated.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr