Mayotte Affected by Cyclone Chido: Severe Damage and Urgent Response

Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, leading to extensive damage and a red alert as the government responds with emergency measures. Many have lost their homes, and the island faces severe infrastructure challenges. The French government is actively providing support and resources amid the ongoing crisis.

Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction in Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, as reported by Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville. The alert level was downgraded from violet to red, yet Bieuville emphasized that the cyclone’s threat persists and urged residents to remain united and sheltered. Numerous individuals have reportedly lost all their possessions due to the cyclone, which has been described as the most violent in nearly a century.

Bruno Retailleau, the outgoing interior minister, indicated that assessments of the damage were ongoing with 110 civil security personnel deployed, and an additional 140 will be sent the following day. The Ministry of the Interior initiated evaluations of critical infrastructures while implementing measures to prevent looting, although no definitive human or material toll has been determined. Reports from Météo France revealed wind speeds reaching at least 226 kilometers per hour at Pamandzi airport, but conditions were anticipated to improve as the cyclone moved away.

The cyclone’s eye traversed the northern region of Mayotte early Saturday, moving toward Mozambique while leaving behind extensive winds and rainfall. Over 15,000 residences have lost power, with the head of Mayotte’s firefighters’ union stating that emergency responders are unable to communicate due to a loss of mobile service. He remarked that even structures designed to withstand earthquakes were compromised. Roads have been rendered impassable, and Dzaoudzi airport is currently closed.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has been monitoring the situation closely, as stated on X, while President Emmanuel Macron assured the citizens of Mayotte that “the whole country is at your side” and announced that support will continue to arrive during the coming days. The urgency of the situation has rolled out an immediate response from both local and national authorities in France, reflecting the severity of the disaster.

Mayotte, a small French archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is situated between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It is known for its unique culture and biodiversity but has been increasingly facing challenges related to climate change, including tropical cyclones. Cyclone Chido’s recent impact marks one of the worst natural disasters in the area in nearly 90 years, emphasizing the vulnerabilities faced by island territories. The French government provides aid and response measures for such emergencies but is often challenged by the geographic and infrastructural limitations of remote locations.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, prompting a red alert and mobilizing emergency services in response to significant destruction. As assessments of the damage continue, the French government has pledged support to the affected population while urging residents to remain safe and vigilant during this ongoing crisis. The situation exemplifies the need for strengthened disaster preparedness in vulnerable island communities.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr