Cyclone Chido Leaves Trail of Destruction in Mayotte: A Nation in Mourning.
Cyclone Chido Leaves Trail of Destruction in Mayotte: A Nation in Mourning. APF image
(The Post News)- The French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte has been left reeling in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, a powerful storm that made landfall on Saturday, bringing with it winds of at least 226 kilometers per hour. The cyclone’s impact has been nothing short of catastrophic, with entire shantytowns reduced to rubble, and critical infrastructure, including the airport, severely damaged.
The scale of the destruction is still being assessed, but the situation is dire. Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville has warned that the final death toll could reach “close to a thousand or even several thousand,” a grim reminder of the storm’s devastating power. The mayor of Mayotte’s capital, Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, described the storm’s impact as “apocalyptic,” with hospitals, schools, and homes totally devastated.
Rescue efforts are underway, with France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau set to visit Mayotte on Monday to assess the damage. He has announced the deployment of 160 additional soldiers and firefighters to support the 110 already on the ground. A first aid plane arrived on Sunday, carrying three tonnes of medical supplies, blood for transfusions, and 17 medical staff, and additional military aircraft and a navy patrol ship are en route from La Reunion.
The international community has pledged support for Mayotte, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assuring the European Union’s readiness to provide aid, and the World Health Organization committing to delivering essential healthcare to affected communities. However, efforts to gauge the full impact are hampered by the estimated 100,000 undocumented residents living in Mayotte, many of whom fear seeking assistance might lead to their removal from the territory.
Cyclone Chido’s impact is not limited to Mayotte. The storm has also affected Mozambique, where at least three deaths have been reported, and significant rainfall is expected in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, putting 1.7 million people at risk. Experts have linked Cyclone Chido to the effects of climate change, highlighting the role of unusually warm Indian Ocean waters in intensifying the storm.
As the people of Mayotte begin the long process of recovery, they will need the support and solidarity of the international community. The humanitarian efforts underway are a testament to the human spirit of compassion and generosity.
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