Comoros Declares National Mourning Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation

The Comoros has declared a week of national mourning due to the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido, a category four storm that impacted the nearby Mayotte. President Azali Assoumani confirmed the mourning period amid fears of significant casualties, particularly in shantytown areas populated by Comoran nationals. Cyclone Chido is noted as the worst storm to affect Mayotte in 90 years, causing severe infrastructural damage.

On Monday, December 16, the Comoros officially declared a week of national mourning following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido, a category four storm that significantly affected the nearby French overseas department of Mayotte. The announcement was made by President Azali Assoumani, who indicated that the mourning period will last until Sunday, recognizing the tragic loss of life and the extensive damage that has occurred. Authorities in Mayotte fear that hundreds may have perished, particularly among the vulnerable populations residing in shantytowns, many of whom are Comoran nationals.

Cyclone Chido unleashed winds exceeding 220 kilometers (137 miles) per hour and is noted to be the most severe storm to strike Mayotte in nearly a century. The destructive force of the cyclone has left much of the region’s infrastructure in shambles, tragically affecting those who are already most at risk. The proximity of the two territories, with only 70 kilometers (43 miles) between them, further complicates the situation, as many Comorans migrate to Mayotte for better economic opportunities, often via clandestine means.

The Comoros is an archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean, close to the French overseas department of Mayotte. The historical context reveals that Mayotte opted to remain a part of France during referendums in 1974 and 1976, which led to its separation from the Comoros, which gained independence in 1975. The populations of these islands are closely linked, with a significant number of Mayotte’s residents having Comoran heritage, intensifying the personal and cultural impacts of natural disasters like Cyclone Chido.

In conclusion, the declaration of a national week of mourning in the Comoros reflects a profound loss experienced due to the devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido. As the region grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented storm, there is a collective grief felt for the lives lost and the destruction of homes. The incident highlights the vulnerability of coastal regions to severe weather phenomena, underscoring the need for increased awareness and improved disaster preparedness strategies.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr