Devastation Strikes Mayotte as Cyclone Chido Leaves Destruction and Death in its Wake.

Devastation Strikes Mayotte as Cyclone Chido Leaves Destruction and Death in its Wake.

France:

 

Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic damage in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, leaving residents in shock and despair. With winds reaching over 225 km/h (140 mph), the storm, described as the worst in 90 years, has flattened entire neighborhoods, particularly impacting the island’s poorest communities living in flimsy sheet-metal roof shacks.

The death toll is already at 20, but local authorities fear it could climb to the thousands as rescue operations continue. Widespread damage to infrastructure, including downed power lines and impassable roads, has severely hampered emergency efforts. Many areas are without power, with 85% of the territory still in the dark, while drinking water supplies remain scarce, with some residents reporting yellow, unusable water.

The cyclone’s impact has been especially harsh on Mayotte’s most vulnerable populations, including undocumented migrants, many of whom live in informal housing that has been obliterated by the storm. “It’s like the aftermath of a nuclear war,” said one resident, describing the complete destruction of neighborhoods.

Humanitarian aid has started to arrive, but shortages of food, water, and shelter persist. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, with French health minister Geneviève Darrieussecq noting that the local healthcare system has been severely degraded.

In response to the crisis, France has deployed 110 soldiers and dispatched 160 more to assist in rescue operations. The French Red Cross has struggled to reach those in need, with many volunteers unable to access affected areas.

Cyclone Chido, which also impacted Mozambique, has been downgraded to a depression but is expected to bring heavy rain and further disruption to southern Africa in the coming days. Climate change may have contributed to the storm’s intensity, experts say.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *