Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Hundreds Feared Dead

Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, with authorities predicting hundreds of fatalities. The cyclone, the worst in 90 years, caused significant destruction to infrastructure and informal settlements. Rescue operations have been initiated, but the death toll is expected to rise. Mayotte’s economic challenges exacerbate the impact of such disasters, revealing a broader need for international support in the face of climate change.

Cyclone Chido has wreaked widespread devastation in the French territory of Mayotte, with officials estimating that the death toll could reach several hundred, potentially approaching a thousand or even more. Mayotte’s Prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, stated to a local broadcaster on Sunday that the situation is dire, following the cyclone’s violent passage through the region. The powerful cyclone brought winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, leading to destruction of neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, and power outages across the island, which is home to over 300,000 residents and is recognized as France’s poorest overseas territory in the European Union.

In light of the disaster, France mobilized rescue teams and essential supplies to the stricken region, with priority given to restoring electricity and ensuring access to clean drinking water. The initial death count confirmed by the French Interior Ministry has been reported as at least 11 fatalities and more than 250 injuries, figures that are expected to significantly increase as rescue operations progress. The cyclone particularly devastated areas characterized by informal settlements of metal shacks, complicating rescue efforts due to the challenges posed by the infrastructure damage.

Mayotte, situated in the southwestern Indian Ocean, is part of France’s overseas territories and is marked by economic challenges, being the poorest territory in the European Union. The region experiences a cyclone season from December to March, when severe weather events often lead to catastrophic impacts on populations and infrastructure. Cyclone Chido, recorded as the most severe cyclone to hit Mayotte in 90 years, exemplifies the vulnerability of these territories to natural disasters intensified by climate change. Notably, this cyclone follows a series of damaging storms in recent years, including Cyclone Idai and Cyclone Freddy, which have caused significant loss of life and extensive damage across southern Africa.

The calamity brought by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte has underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid and disaster response, particularly in impoverished regions that are profoundly impacted by extreme weather events. As rescue teams continue their efforts to assess and mitigate the damage, the anticipated rise in fatality counts highlights the severity of the situation. The international community, particularly wealthier nations, is called to reassess their support and commitment to assist those affected by climate-related disasters.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com