Devastation in Mayotte Following Cyclone Chido: A Critical Assessment

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, causing extensive destruction. Four days post-cyclone, the human toll is still being assessed, with fears of hundreds of deaths. Satellite imagery reveals significant damage, particularly in Mamoudzou, where winds exceeded 180 km/h. Approximately 70% of Mayotte’s population is reported to be severely affected, leading to over 19,000 damaged buildings and extensive road destruction.

In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte on December 14, the devastation remains alarming. Four days post-storm, the French government is still evaluating the extent of human casualties, with fears suggesting fatalities could reach into the hundreds. Satellite images, provided by Maxar through Agence France-Presse, reveal extensive destruction across the territory, particularly in Mamoudzou, the island’s capital, where damaging winds exceeded 180 km/h and gusts approached 250 km/h.

The cyclone inflicted significant damage on various infrastructures, with most buildings in Mamoudzou unable to withstand the powerful winds. In contrast, the industrial zones located north of the capital exhibited some resilience but still faced substantial damage. The marina along Route Nationale No. 2 was entirely obliterated due to the storm’s impact and the subsequent marine submersion.

The eastern region of Mayotte, particularly Petite-Terre, was also affected heavily by the cyclone, experiencing considerable destruction in towns like Dzaoudzi and Pamandzi, which were among the first to endure the storm’s wrath. The port of Dzaoudzi sustained damage as its quays were partly destroyed.

Currently, the Interior Ministry estimates that approximately 70% of Mayotte’s population has been adversely affected by cyclone Chido. Emergency services, utilizing satellite technology from the European Copernicus program, report that over 19,000 buildings and 105 km of roads have been severely damaged or entirely destroyed, underscoring the cyclone’s catastrophic impact on the region.

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean, on December 14, 2023. Cyclones in this region can cause significant destruction due to high winds and storm surges, leading to damage to infrastructure and loss of life. Mayotte, being an island territory, faces unique challenges in responding to such natural disasters, and the assessment of damage is critical for recovery efforts. The cyclone’s aftermath is being closely monitored by both local authorities and international organizations, highlighting the urgency of humanitarian aid and restoration efforts in the region.

In conclusion, the aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left Mayotte in a dire situation, with extensive infrastructural damage and a significant percentage of the population affected. The ongoing evaluations by both governmental and emergency services are crucial in understanding the full impact of the disaster, which could include a tragic loss of life as well. Immediate actions are necessary to address the devastation and begin the recovery process for the island’s residents.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr