Cyclone Chido Causes Catastrophic Damage in Mayotte, Claims At Least 11 Lives

Cyclone Chido has claimed at least 11 lives in Mayotte, with many injured, as the French territory continues to face the aftermath of the storm. The cyclone, deemed the worst to hit the region in 90 years, has also affected Comoros and Madagascar and has reached Mozambique, where further impacts are anticipated.

At least 11 individuals have tragically lost their lives following the catastrophic impacts of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, a French territory situated in the Indian Ocean, as reported by France’s Interior Ministry on Sunday. The precise casualty count is challenging to establish, but the ministry anticipates that the death toll may rise. A local hospital has indicated that nine patients are in critical condition, with an additional 246 individuals reported to have sustained injuries.

The cyclone, which traversed the southeastern Indian Ocean, has also severely impacted the nearby regions of Comoros and Madagascar, with Mayotte being directly in Chido’s path. Officials have described the destruction in Mayotte as unprecedented, declaring it the most severe cyclone to strike the island in the last 90 years. Following this devastation, Cyclone Chido has since made landfall in Mozambique, prompting emergency officials to alert that approximately 2.5 million people may be affected across two northern provinces of the country.

Cyclone Chido has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by territories like Mayotte, especially in the context of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. The region experiences cyclones due to its geographical location within the Indian Ocean, making it susceptible to tropical storms that can lead to severe consequences. The significance of this event is accentuated by the historical context, as the cyclone is noted to be the worst in nearly a century, emphasizing the need for effective disaster response mechanisms in areas prone to natural disasters.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has caused significant loss of life and extensive damage in Mayotte, with the potential for further casualties as the situation develops. The devastation underscores the pressing need for improved disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions. As the cyclone continues its path towards Mozambique, the situation remains precarious, necessitating thorough monitoring and response efforts to safeguard the affected populations.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com