Cyclone Chido unleashes devastation on Mayotte, leaving at least 11 dead and hundreds injured in its wake.
At a Glance
- Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, causing widespread destruction
- At least 11 people have died, with hundreds more injured, including 9 critically
- The cyclone, described as the worst in 90 years, brought winds exceeding 220 kph
- Over 15,000 homes lost electricity, and significant damage to infrastructure reported
- French authorities are struggling to compile accurate casualty figures due to local burial customs
Devastating Impact on Mayotte
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on the French territory of Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean. The cyclone, described as the most severe to hit the region in 90 years, has left a trail of destruction in its path. With winds exceeding 220 kph, the storm uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and caused widespread power outages. The French Interior Ministry confirmed at least 11 fatalities, with hundreds more injured, including 9 in critical condition.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early reports indicate significant destruction to homes, schools, and health facilities.
“Many homes, schools and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed and we are working closely with government to ensure continuity of essential basic services,” UNICEF, which is providing aid to the region, said in a statement.
Cyclone slams into France's Mayotte archipelago, killing at least 11 https://t.co/qN7rpXIAfC pic.twitter.com/D4hyYbUWcH
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) December 15, 2024
Challenges in Assessing Casualties
French authorities are facing difficulties in compiling accurate casualty figures due to local burial customs.
A French Ministry of Interior official explained, “For the toll, it’s going to be complicated, because Mayotte is a Muslim land where the dead are buried within 24 hours.”
This cultural practice has made it challenging for officials to establish a precise death toll, with fears that the numbers may rise as more information becomes available.
“It will take several days to establish the death toll, but we fear that it is heavy,” said acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.
The cyclone’s impact has been further exacerbated by Mayotte’s existing challenges. As France’s poorest territory, located 8,000km from Paris, the island has faced previous social unrest and violence. The destruction caused by Cyclone Chido has only compounded these issues, raising concerns about access to food, water, and sanitation for the affected population.
Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts
Meanwhile, the French government has mobilized resources to assist in the recovery efforts.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and a contingent of 160 soldiers and firefighters are being deployed to the island.
Prime Minister François Bayrou acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “Everyone understands that this was a cyclone that was unexpectedly violent.”
He noted the severe damage to public infrastructure and the particular risks faced by those living in slum areas.
Rescue efforts are underway but are being hindered by damage to airports and electricity distribution networks. The Pamandzi airport on Petite-Terre suffered major damage, complicating the arrival of emergency supplies and personnel. Over 15,000 homes lost electricity, further hampering recovery efforts.
Cyclone Chido’s impact extends beyond Mayotte, affecting neighboring countries including Comoros, Madagascar, and Mozambique. The United Nations has warned that 1.7 million people in the region are at risk, with potential for significant rainfall and flash floods in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. This cyclone follows a series of severe storms that have hit the region in recent years, including the devastating Cyclone Idai in 2019.
We’re sure our readers will join us in saying a prayer for those affected by this tragedy.
