Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, France’s Indian Ocean Territory
A powerful tropical cyclone, Cyclone Chido, has caused severe damage and loss of life in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean. According to the French Interior Ministry, at least 14 people have died, with the death toll feared to rise.
Devastation in Mayotte
The cyclone made landfall on December 14, 2024, and authorities reported widespread destruction, with entire neighborhoods destroyed, trees uprooted, and boats overturned or sunk. The capital, Mamoudzou, was particularly affected, with a pile of debris made of metal sheets and wood visible after the storm.
Infrastructure Damage
Key infrastructure, including the main hospital and airport, was heavily damaged, leaving many residents without access to basic services. The French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, expressed concern that the death toll could climb, describing the devastation as widespread.
Residents’ Plight
Many residents living in slums built cheaply with corrugated iron sheets faced extreme risks during the storm, as their homes were torn apart. The cyclone brought winds of over 220 kph (136 mph), making it a category 4 cyclone, the second most powerful on the scale, according to the French weather service.
International Response
To help, 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers were deployed to assist the population and prevent looting. Over 100 rescuers and firefighters arrived from France and the nearby island of Reunion, with 140 more reinforcements expected. Military aircraft and ships were delivering emergency supplies.
Cyclone’s Path
The cyclone continued eastward, hitting Mozambique early Sunday. Emergency officials warned that 2.5 million people in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula could be affected. Neighboring Malawi and Zimbabwe also braced for potential flooding, with plans to evacuate people from low-lying areas.
Conclusion
Cyclone Chido has caused unprecedented destruction in Mayotte, France’s Indian Ocean territory. The international community is responding to the crisis, with aid agencies and emergency services working to provide assistance to those affected.
FAQs
- What is the current death toll in Mayotte?
At least 14 people have died, with the death toll feared to rise. - How severe was the damage caused by the cyclone?
The cyclone caused widespread destruction, with entire neighborhoods destroyed, trees uprooted, and boats overturned or sunk. - How is the international community responding to the crisis?
Aid agencies and emergency services are working to provide assistance to those affected, including deploying police and gendarmerie officers, rescuers, and firefighters, and delivering emergency supplies.
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