Comoros Declares Week of Mourning After Devastating Cyclone Chido

Comoros has declared a week of national mourning after Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, causing widespread devastation and fears of a high death toll, particularly among the vulnerable populations in shantytowns. The storm, with winds over 220 km/h, is the worst to impact Mayotte in 90 years. President Azali Assoumani announced the mourning period will continue until Sunday.

On December 16, 2023, the nation of Comoros, located in the Indian Ocean, proclaimed a week of national mourning following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, a category 4 storm. President Azali Assoumani announced that the mourning period would last until Sunday, reflecting the significant impact of the cyclone, which has not only affected the Comoros but also the nearby French overseas department of Mayotte. Authorities in Mayotte are fearing a death toll that could reach several hundred, particularly among its vulnerable shantytown populations, many of whom are Comoran nationals.

Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte with wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers (137 miles) per hour, marking it as the worst storm to hit the island in the past 90 years. The cyclone particularly affected regions where one-third of the population resides in precarious housing conditions. Given the historical and cultural ties between Comoros and Mayotte, the devastation experienced by one territory resonates deeply with the citizens of both islands. The geographical proximity, with only 70 kilometers (43 miles) separating the two, further intensifies the shared response to this natural disaster.

For Comoros, this national mourning symbolizes a collective grief as families cope with loss and destruction. The emotional and infrastructural toll of Cyclone Chido highlights the challenges both territories face in terms of resilience and rebuilding efforts. The aforementioned conditions are exacerbated by the fact that a significant portion of Mayotte’s population, which numbers approximately 320,000, originates from Comoros, with many frequently traveling between the islands illegally.

The cyclones affecting the Comoros and Mayotte highlight the vulnerabilities faced by small island nations due to climate change. Mayotte, having opted to remain a French territory during its independence movements in the 1970s, often experiences severe weather events due to its geographical location. The aftermath of such storms, including Cyclone Chido, not only leads to loss of life but also significant destruction of infrastructure, impacting the socioeconomic stability of the region. Such devastating weather events accentuate the need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in these susceptible areas.

In summary, the declaration of a national week of mourning in Comoros serves as a poignant acknowledgment of the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. The storm’s significant impact on both Comoros and Mayotte highlights the interconnectedness of these islands and the shared grief of their populations. As recovery efforts begin, the focus will inevitably turn to rebuilding and strengthening the resilience of these vulnerable regions against future natural disasters.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr